The smart multi-operator bus pass allows you to travel on buses provided by different operators across North Staffordshire with just one ticket.
You can travel with any of the bus operators listed below, on any bus route, at any time of day across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and North Staffordshire within the boundaries of the scheme, as illustrated below:
Smart tickets cannot be used to travel to or from areas outside of the boundary, but you can use it to travel up to the boundary and pay the additional fare to your final destination.
Under our Affordable Fares scheme, Smart tickets are valid on the following bus operators' services:
- First
- D&G Bus
- Stantons of Stoke
- Blue Buses (Scraggs)
- Arriva Midlands
Daily, weekly, monthly, three-month and annual tickets are available. As of Saturday 1 July, 2023 bus fares will cost:
| Type of ticket | Adult price | Young Person's price** (18 and under) |
| Single ticket* | £2.00 | £1.50 |
| Smart day ticket | £3.50 | £2.00 |
| Smart weekly ticket | £12.00 | £7.00 |
| Smart monthly ticket | £42.00 | £24.00 |
| Smart three-month ticket | £115.00 | £60.00 |
| Smart annual ticket | £400.00 | £200.00 |
*Single use ticket price is for any single journey on any bus operators service.
**Age at time of purchase
The Young Person’s fare has now been extended to include people aged up to 18 (it was capped at 16 year olds previously) Student fares will no longer be applicable.
Please note: You maybe required to provide proof of age when buying your ticket or travelling.
If you have a smart phone, the easiest way to buy a pass is by downloading the First Bus app or D&G bus app My Trip.
Tickets can be downloaded to your phone anytime of the day. Simply scan your mobile ticket when you hop on board, and you are ready to go.
Don’t have a mobile phone?
You can buy one-month and three-month Smart passes before you travel from the First Travel Shop at Hanley Bus Station or daily and weekly tickets are available on the bus from the driver (one- month, three-month and annual passes cannot be bought on the bus). If you are buying a pass from the First Travel Shop, you will need to bring a passport sized photograph with you when you buy your first pass. If you are renewing a pass, you will need the photocard from the pass you are updating.