Looking for some more information about the Glasgow Tripper ticket? We’ve put together some frequently asked questions that may answer your query.
Currently, we have a Tripper Day (£6.10), a Tripper Weekly (£24.60), a Flexi3 Day bundle (£15.20), a Flexi5 Day bundle (£24.20) and a Flexi10 Day bundle (£47.50). Prices as at 26 Feb 2024 are show in brackets.
When you board a McGill’s, First or West Coast Motors bus, scan the ticket QR code. If you are travelling on a Stagecoach West Scotland or Whitelaws service, these operate on a ‘show pass’ basis; simply show your ticket on your phone to the driver when you board.
Download one of the mobile apps from the city’s main bus companies – First Glasgow, McGill’s or West Coast Motors (all three companies offer the same Tripper tickets). You then need to create an account and that’s you ready to buy your ticket. (More info on ticket types is available elsewhere on this FAQ section).
Sign up for tour Tripper card from our website.
Your card will be sent by Royal Mail (2nd Class). We ask that you allow ten working days for your cards to arrive, but cards are normally printed and dispatched within 4-5 days.
Once you receive your card, simply log back on to your Glasgow Tripper account and buy your tickets.
Your tickets will be stored within your account until you choose to activate one on the bus.
Ready to make a journey? Simply place your Glasgow Tripper card on the ticket machine on the bus and wait for the beep – this indicates your ticket has been downloaded to your card. Now, lift up your card and then put it back on the ticket machine for a second time. Another beep confirms the ticket you just downloaded, has been activated. Tap, tap, travel!
For all other journeys using the ticket, you just need to place your Glasgow Tripper card on the reader once, listen for the beep, and take a seat!
Log on to your online account and on the opening screen you’ll see details of all tickets that you have purchased, but have not yet used.
If you have an active ticket on your card, you’ll see unused tickets showing as ‘failed to load’. The wording can be confusing, but it simply means that the latest purchase has not been loaded to your card. It will be available to load once your current ticket expires.
Yes, only day tickets can be added on the bus. All weekly and flexi bundles can only be bought via your online account.
Yes, you can buy additional tickets at any time, by logging on to your Glasgow Tripper account. You do not need to wait until your current ticket has expired.
Only one ticket will be activated when you first place it on the ticket machine.
Once activated, a Tripper Day ticket will expire at 0400hrs the following day; regardless of the time the ticket was activated.
A Tripper Weekly ticket gives 7 days travel; inclusive of the day that it is activated. Like the day ticket, it will expire at 0400hrs on the eighth day after the ticket has been activated.
For the flexi bundles, each day ticket from your bundle will expire at 0400hrs the following day.
If the ticket on your Tripper card has expired and is no longer valid for travel, the ticket machines will make a negative beep to advise. Your driver will also confirm if you have no other valid tickets available.
If this happens, you will need to add a new ticket to your Tripper card, or choose another ticket option for your journey.
If you believe your ticket was still valid and your driver cannot assist, you can review your purchase history on your Tripper account. Alternatively, you can call our customer support team on 0345 241 1595.
Simply buy another one! Log on to your Tripper account and add another ticket. We ask that you leave at least four hours between purchasing your ticket online, and activating it on the bus.
If the 4hr window does not suit your travel plans, remember that you can also buy a Tripper Day ticket on the bus too.
No, all stored tickets will remain on your card until you are ready to activate one on the bus. Only one ticket can be activated at a time, so there is no need to worry about other tickets being accidentally activated.
You can request a new password by clicking on ‘reset password’. A new password will be emailed to you.
If you forget your email address to log in, you will need to contact customer service on 0345 241 1595.
If your Tripper card is lost or stolen, you must report it via your online account, or by calling customer service on 0345 241 1595.
A replacement card can be ordered and will be issued at a cost of £1.75.
If you have stored tickets on your lost, stolen or damaged card, please contact customer services to discuss.
Only day tickets can be added to your Glasgow Tripper card on the bus. Please note however that you can’t buy a day ticket on Stagecoach routes and First East Scotland services 10, X37 and X39. (Whilst you can’t buy your ticket on these buses, you can still travel with Stagecoach and on First East Scotland services 10, X37 and X39 with a ticket activated on a McGill’s, First Glasgow, Glasgow City Bus or Whitelaws bus).
Tripper cards are designed to be topped up and used again and again, making them more environmentally friendly than paper tickets. An adult card will expire after 7 years. Don’t worry we’ll let you know in plenty of time.
Yes, the following exclusions apply:
- Football specials
- Night services identified with an “N” service prefix
- Registered school services with one journey each way per school day
- First Glasgow’s Glasgow Airport service 500
- First 77 service to/from Glasgow Airport – your Tripper card is valid to/from Renfrew Cross on all 77 services. It cannot be used beyond this point to Glasgow Airport.
- Stagecoach East X24 service to/from Glasgow Airport.
- Long distance express coach registered locally within the zone
- Rail replacement services
- Any service where the ticket can be used must have at least two stopping points within the zone
The Tripper map provides an overview of the main boundary points. For specific bus information, please click here.
If you purchase a ticket online, you can pay using any major credit or debit cards. If you are purchasing a day ticket on the bus, you need to pay with cash.
No, you can buy Tripper tickets on the mobile apps of First Glasgow, McGill’s and West Coast Motors. Watch our short video here to help locate them on the three apps. (You’ll need to download one of the apps and create an account which takes minutes to do).
Yes, you can buy all five ticket types on the mobile apps.
If you buy a mobile Tripper ticket on one of the operator’s apps, your ticket is ready for use immediately. You do not need to allow the required four hours’ between purchasing and travelling, as you do with smartcard tickets.