Digital ID Entitles Students to Cheaper Bus Fare in UK’s Midlands and Coventry

Students in the West Midlands and Coventry can now take advantage of cheaper bus fares with the help of digital ID technology, thanks to a new scheme introduced by National Express West Midlands.

The initiative is supported by digital ID provider Yoti, enabling students to forego traditional physical ID cards in favor of a more secure and convenient digital alternative. Using the free Yoti app, students can upload a photo and their academic email address to create a verified ID that confirms their student status. The move aligns with Yoti’s broader mission to provide secure and efficient identification solutions, as highlighted by the firm’s recent advancements in Facial Age Estimation technology, which enhances the accuracy of age verification across various age groups.

Adam Rideout, Head of Customer Experience at National Express West Midlands, emphasized the company’s commitment to improving passenger services. “The new Student ID feature from Yoti will make it even easier for customers to provide proof of student status when travelling on our services and benefit from cheaper travel,” he said. The feature simplifies access to discounted fares for students traveling on National Express buses in the West Midlands and Coventry, though it does not apply to West Midlands coaches.

Yoti’s CEO Robin Tombs highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative, noting that it is part of Yoti’s mission to provide secure and efficient identification solutions. “Young people can now prove their age, identity, and student status, all from one secure digital ID,” he stated. “We’re delighted National Express West Midlands is the first to accept Student IDs, helping students prove their status and access discounted travel tickets more easily.” The app also supports other forms of digital identification, offering flexibility and privacy for users.

The partnership with National Express marks another milestone in Yoti’s expansion as a digital ID provider in the United Kingdom. Yoti has been gaining traction in sectors ranging from retail to public services. Its role in the new student ID scheme not only enhances its reputation but also demonstrates the growing reliance on digital ID platforms for everyday activities, such as accessing transportation benefits. Yoti’s digital ID apps have also been accredited under the UK’s Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS), ensuring that they meet rigorous standards and offering businesses confidence in their legitimacy.

Sources: Route One, Birmingham Live

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December 2, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy