Buses in Medway have gone contactless.

A multi-million pound investment means passengers on Arriva services in the Towns will no longer need to rummage around for spare change.

They'll now be able to buy a ticket by tapping their card or phone on a scanner.

The technology went live on Sunday but an official launch was held yesterday. It's also up and running in Maidstone and will launch in Northfleet and Sittingbourne in coming weeks.

Medway Council’s cabinet member for frontline services Cllr Phil Filmer said: “One of Medway’s key transport objectives is to improve public transport for residents and visitors so this is great news for Medway. Not only will the new contactless payment method make paying for public transport quicker it will also improve journey times and members of the public will no longer have to dig deep to find the correct change.

“Bus services run from Chatham Waterfront Bus Station seven days a week. Improvement works to the station were carried out as part of the council’s Chatham placemaking initiative and included a complete remodeling and makeover of the station forecourt and roads around the station, resurfacing of pavements and walkways, new taxi and drop-off bays and new public art.

“I hope this encourages more passengers to use Medway’s bus service.”

Managing director for Arriva Southern Counties Simon Loh said: “As a business, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our customers’ journey. Following a successful trial at several depots last year, we decided to develop the service even further, as a step forward in opening up bus travel for those who do not find cash payments convenient.

“The new technology will create a faster, easier and more convenient way to pay for our customers, which in turn will help to speed up boarding time and improve the customer experience as the UK moves even closer towards being a cashless society.”

The technology will be rolled out across the entire network over the coming months.