COMMUTERS in the Wee County will benefit from quicker journeys as a result of digital bus tickets, according to MSP Keith Brown.

Contactless payment technology on First Buses was introduced recently and now provides a range of ticketing options through its new mobile app.

The move aims to reduce boarding times while making purchases more convenient for customers.

First Bus' mTickets can be used to take away the need for cash while the system also accepts bank cards as well as Apple and Android Pay.

Mr Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, who has been campaigning for fairer and better services in the area, welcomed the move, hoping it will encourage more people to opt for public transport on a regular basis.

He said it can also benefit the environment with buses spending less time idling at stops.

Visiting the Larbert depot, where he got to try the new technology himself, he added: “That is why it’s great to see First Bus launch their contactless payment services locally, which I am sure will be welcomed by many of my constituents.”

Taking the economy, jobs and fair work cabinet secretary on a tour at the nearby yard was First Scotland commercial director Graeme MacFarlan.

He said: “We’re very proud to be at the forefront of introducing contactless technology on our vehicles and would like to thank the cabinet secretary for joining us to celebrate the launch.

“Contactless technology is just one of the ways First Scotland East is innovating to make bus travel even easier for our customers and I am delighted to see this latest launch complete the roll out across our entire Scottish network.”