Dartford bus users can now pay for their ticket using contactless payments with a number of routes operating within the borough now accepting cards on-board.

Bus operator Arriva launched the new feature over the weekend following a multi-million pound investment.

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It also announced two new bus routes, the 480 and 490, will be joining its fleet along with the new payment system.

The 480 will depart from Dartford while the 490 will depart from Bluewater, each route ferrying passengers to Valley Drive through Northfleet and Gravesend.

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Payments can now be made using credit and debit cards, along with Apple and Android pay.

Speaking at a launch event at Bluewater Shopping Centre, managing director for Arriva Simon Loh said: "As a business, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our customers’ journey.

"Following a successful trial at several depots last year, we decided to develop the service even further, as a step forward in opening up bus travel for those who do not find cash payments convenient.

"The new technology will create a faster, easier and more convenient way to pay for our customers, which in turn will help to speed up boarding time and improve the customer experience as the UK moves even closer towards being a cashless society."

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The new 480 and 490 buses will also offer passengers free 4G wifi and run on engines which emit cleaner air into the environment than what is taken in.