The modern bus revolution
Buses are more than just a way to get from A to B. They’re the backbone of how cities move. To attract more passengers and keep services running smoothly, local authorities are focused on making bus travel faster and more convenient. One of the biggest steps toward that goal is removing cash from journeys. By going cashless, boarding becomes quicker, delays are reduced, and the overall experience improves for everyone.
Discover how Cammax partnered with Bristol, South Gloucerstershire and North Somerset councils to launch Metrobus – a rapid transit service that boosts accessibility, cuts emissions and enhances transport links acrosss the west of England.
Revolutionising Bus Travel in Bristol with Smart iPoint Technology
In order to help speed up journey times, metrobus was to be a ‘buy before you board’ service with no tickets sold on the bus, helping to reduce waiting time at stops whilst also protecting ticket revenues from cash shrinkage. As such it was vital that metrobus provided customers with a reliable means of obtaining tickets prior to boarding the bus.
The Council commissioned Cammax to deliver 80 bespoke Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) that could sell both paper and smart tickets, provide journey planning, deliver real-time information, and feature an emergency intercom. The machines needed to include RNIB REACT3 functionality and be operable across a wide service area.
Challenges
Difficulties arose due to the highly customised design requiring imported safety glass, premium stainless steel, and specialised parts—causing longer-than-expected lead times. Additionally, the considerable size and weight of the units necessitated careful foundational planning. One site couldn’t support a full-sized unit, prompting a custom smaller version. Installation across public highways also demanded meticulous planning and coordination.
Objectives
- Deploy a user-friendly, reliable, and accessible ticketing solution at all Metrobus stops.
- Provide a multifunctional terminal combining ticket purchase, journey planning, real-time updates, and emergency assistance.
- Ensure brand visibility through a distinctive, durable design that enhances the public realm.
- Build a system capable of long-term adaptability, with customisable software and scalable infrastructure for future extensions.
Solution
Cammax designed the “iPoint”—an instantly recognisable, 3m+ tall kiosk made with marine-grade stainless steel and reinforced security glass. It combined multiple capabilities: smart and paper ticket dispensing, RTI displays, journey planning tools, and an emergency intercom. Behind the scenes, a branded back-office portal enabled centralised monitoring and content management.
Cammax managed the entire lifecycle—from requirements gathering and bespoke design to manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. A dedicated project manager led weekly reviews, navigating delays and adapting the design for challenging installation sites.
Outcomes
- 80+ iPoints successfully installed across the Metrobus network.
- Consistently high uptime of around 99%, supported by proactive and reactive maintenance from local engineers.
- Integrated Real Time Information Display, intercom, and journey planning tools in a single 3.2m tall unit.
- iPoints also function as bus stop markers and stop identifiers, creating a strong visual presence within the Metrobus environment.
- Passenger numbers in Bristol continue to rise, bucking national bus ridership trends.
“The iPoints are an integral part of the metrobus offer and allow passengers to purchase a range of tickets at the bus stop via a debit or credit card”.
Ian Maggs
Bristol City Council Infrastructure & Projects Team
Metrobus Case Study Brochure
For more information about this exciting project please navigate through the case study brochure via the download button below.
