Swindon Bus Company’s controversial plans to scrap the travelcard come into effect this weekend.

The bus operator announced that passengers would no longer be able to apply for travelcards from Sunday, October 27 and they will be switching off the ability to buy any new ticket products on the travelcard.

Despite being in use for the last 10 years, the company said travelcards had become “unreliable” and were instead encouraging passengers to use the Swindon Bus Company app.

Read More: Swindon Bus Company is scrapping service it has offered for over 10 years

Earlier this year, they introduced travel pass products on the app and these can also be scanned by Stagecoach buses.

Alongside the mobile app tickets, passengers can still travel using tap-on and tap-off services as well as contactless payment.

(Image: Swindon Bus Company) But locals have slammed the changes, suggesting the focus on digital payments will alienate older generations and force parents to buy smartphones for their children to be able to travel to school.

One mum, Clarissa Fernandes, contacted the Advertiser following Swindon Bus Company’s announcement expressing her concern about feeling “compelled” to buy her 11-year-old son a phone.

Read More: Passengers slam 'ridiculous' decision to scrap bus travelcards

She added that she did not understand why the company would get rid of the travelcard option when it is popular among many customers and had always seemed to work well.

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