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Reading Buses completes successful rollout of TransMach TM700 Modular ETMs and TOR units

Reading Buses and its subsidiaries have successfully completed the rollout of the TransMach TM700 Modular Electronic Ticket Machines (ETMs) and the new Tap-Out Reader (TOR) units across 285 buses, concluding an extensive year long tendering and evaluation process. This major upgrade marks a significant step forward in modernising the operator’s ticketing, data, and onboard technology systems.

Reading Buses

A comprehensive technology assessment:

The tender process evaluated a wide range of operational and technical requirements, including:

Payment speed and reliability
Software flexibility and modular design
Integration with third party platforms
Support for contactless EMV, tap on/tap off capping, barcodes and ITSO smartcards
Delivery of BODS compliant punctuality data
Real time reporting and analytics

TransMach’s TM700 platform, combined with the TOR units, was selected for its performance, adaptability, and strong integration capabilities.

Configured with lightning speed:

A key factor in the project’s success was the rapid configuration process. Thanks to TransMach’s easy to use importing tools for fares, timetables, and other system settings, the project team was able to build, test, and deploy the new setup with exceptional speed. This streamlined approach significantly reduced lead times and ensured a smooth transition across the fleet.

Smartcards: ITSO 2.1.5 and V4 ISAMs:

The new system supports ITSO 2.1.5 specifications and utilises V4 ISAMs, delivering faster transaction speeds, enhanced security, and improved compatibility with future ticketing products. This ensures Reading Buses is aligned with the latest national smart ticketing requirements.

Seamless integration from day one:

From launch, the TransMach TM700 Modular ETMs and TOR units integrate with key systems across the business, including:

Freeway Fleet Systems for direct electronic defect reporting
Velociti Systems and CitySwift for operational analytics
Passenger for app and website data
Littlepay for payment processing
r2p for next stop announcements
Multiple SIRI real time feeds
BODS for open data compliance

This ensures consistent, accurate data flow across the entire operation.

Key features of the TransMach TM700 Modular ETMs and TOR:

The new system introduces a range of enhancements designed to improve both customer experience and operational efficiency:

Faster payment processing and reduced boarding times
Improved defect checking workflows and messaging
A dedicated panic button for driver safety
Separate readers for smartcards/contactless and QR codes
An 8 inch landscape Android tablet with 5G connectivity
A supervisor mobile app with live tracking and messaging
Modular hardware enabling future expansion, including support for electronic PlusBus tickets
TOR (Tap-Out Reader) units enabling reliable tap off functionality for accurate fare capping and journey tracking
Inspection solution for Contactless payments, ITSO smartcards and QR codes validation

The separate card and QR readers eliminate interference issues caused when physical cards are stored behind mobile phones, while the TOR units ensure smooth, accurate tap off processing.

Leadership comments:

Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, said:
“We are delighted with the success of the TM700 and TOR rollout. Our teams have worked incredibly hard to ensure a smooth transition, and the new system is already delivering benefits across our operations.” Minesh Vandra, Director at TransMach, added:
“We are proud to support Reading Buses with our latest TM700 Modular ETMs and TOR technology. This upgrade delivers faster processing, improved convenience, and more efficient administration, and we look forward to continuing our partnership into 2026 and beyond.”

Completed ahead of Christmas:

The rollout was completed on 15 December 2025, ensuring the entire fleet was upgraded ahead of the Christmas period. Early feedback from drivers, engineers, and passengers has been overwhelmingly positive.