Outrage as Edinburgh transport tickets fail for FOURTH day

Angry commuters are fed up with a glitching mobile transport ticket app which has stopped some from travelling for FOUR mornings in a row.

The Transport for Edinburgh app allows users to buy and load tickets on mobile devices for Edinburgh Trams and Lothian buses.

But the app has been failing for thousands of outraged passengers during rush hour each morning, with many unable to purchase tickets to get to work.

Many were left confused by the situation with some Lothian drivers letting some passengers on for free while others demanded a cash fare in order for them to travel.

Some Lothian bus drivers let passengers on for free after the transport app failure

Stephen McCafferty, 30, has been left bitterly disappointed after attempting to use the app for the first time on Monday travelling to work at Escape Edinburgh.

The philosophy student added: “It was the first time I’d tried using the app. The whole point was to save money by way of not overpaying for buses due to the silly no change policy, yet I had to take out a tenner, buy chewing gum, and overpay for a ticket.

“I was checking on Twitter and everyone was getting various information. Some were expected to pay in cash and other drivers let people go on for free.

“Edinburgh is the Capital of Scotland and we should have a functional and reliable service for what it and its passengers deserve.

“The app was not loading saying I needed to connect to the server. I put £10 on the app and I’ve not been able to use it in the morning yet.

“Once I’ve used my credit I’ll be deleting the app as it simply isn’t good enough and I think many others will do the same.”

Lothian has said that the issue is out of the company’s control with the app supplier working hard to fix the recurring problems.

McGill Buses, First Scotland East and Edinburgh Trams also all confirmed issues with a server issue being blamed for the problem.

The situation renewed calls for Lothian to install contactless payment on its buses due to the only other method of payment available being cash with no change provided.

Passenger Peter Hopkins said: “People rely on this app for transport to their jobs, I don’t understand why you can’t offer complimentary travel to users affected or at least provide a reliable way of warning folks when there are going to be service disruptions.”

Fellow commuter Colette Davey added: “Please make it possible to pay on the buses with contactless debit cards.

“It’s much easier and the app constantly fails or crashes. Just never carry cash around anymore.”

Lothian told the Evening News contactless payment is being trialled on the Airlink 100 service with a view to being introduced across its city centre services in the “near future”.

A spokesperson added: “We are working with our m-ticket suppliers to investigate the issue including any mitigating measures which should prevent future issues.

“We can only apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused and would ask that they bear with us while our suppliers resolve this issue.”