ShuttleID, a top provider of school bus ticketing solutions, has introduced a new digital bus ticket that is compatible with most “brick” phones. This move comes in response to the increasing trend of parents opting for basic mobile phones for their children, reflecting a growing societal shift towards reducing smartphone usage, particularly among younger pupils.
Concerns about the impact of smartphones on children’s education and behaviour have been escalating, prompting calls for stricter smartphone regulations. Earlier this year, the UK Commons Education Committee recommended the government explore a complete ban on smartphones for children under 16, echoing similar initiatives already implemented in schools in various countries.
In the UK, support for alternative options is growing among both schools and parents. A parent-led initiative, endorsed by families from over 8,000 schools, encourages delaying smartphone introduction until Year 9. Schools are also recommending “brick” phones—basic mobile devices that lack internet and apps—for younger students as part of this broader push.
In response to this trend, ShuttleID has developed a digital bus ticket solution that works with nearly all “brick” phones, providing a practical option for transport operators looking to accommodate students without smartphones. The solution uses QR codes, which are displayed on the brick phone’s screen and scanned by the bus driver. ShuttleID’s team has created several ways to transfer these tickets to brick phones, despite the hardware challenges. This new offering allows students to use their bus tickets in printed format, on smartphones, or on brick phones.
Chris Bell, Director at ShuttleID, said: “As the conversation around smartphone use and its effects on children continues, we recognise the growing importance of offering alternatives. The school commute is one area where smartphones may have previously been viewed as essential. Our ‘Brickets’ solution enables transport operators, schools, and local authorities to support the adoption of brick phones among school children. This innovation ensures that operators can accommodate all types of bus tickets, offering greater inclusivity and flexibility in school transport systems.”
ShuttleID will showcase its new “Brickets” solution, alongside its full suite of ticketing services, at the Euro Bus Expo from 12-14 November. To learn more, visit shuttleid.uk.
