New Almex machines, which have been trialled on services operating from the Linlithgow and Livingston depots, are being rolled out across the East of Scotland fleet.

The machines will be fitted to all 500 First vehicles operating in central Scotland, Lothian and the Borders in the coming months.

Passengers currently show their travel cards to the driver, who presses a button and issues a ticket.

Simpler for passengers

The new machines work with microchip cards – like concessionary travel cards – and require passengers to show their card to the driver, then place it on the ticket machine, which automatically issues the ticket.

The bus company insists this will make things simpler for passengers.

Juliette Turner, operations director for First in Scotland East, said: "These new machines are designed to make it quicker and easier for passengers to get on board and have their ticket issued and will benefit concession card holders in the first instance.

"We will be asking passengers to do something different when they board our buses, so it's important that we let them know exactly what will be involved.

"It will take a little time, though, for both passengers and drivers to get used to the new technology."