Glo Smartcard FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Glo. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01202 636000 or email comments@yellowbuses.co.uk if you have any further queries.
Q: Are day tickets, or singles and returns changing?
A: No, these will still be issued as tickets by your driver
Q: I normally buy my travel through PayPoint is this affected?
A: You can top your Glo card up at Paypoint, just hand your card over when you have paid for the travel type you require, and the agent will top it up ready to go, or you can also still purchase the walleted tickets.
Q: I used to be able to let my family use my Yellowcard, can I still do that?
A: Yes you can with a Glo card, you can share it with your friends and family exactly the same as the Yellowcard*, with a Glo 17 this is also a proof of age card entitling you to a child fare up to your 18th birthday, so this card is just for your use
* You must allow 5 minutes between each use
Q: What do I need to get a Glo 17 card?
A: You can apply online using your valid CitizenCard number, if you don’t have a CitizenCard then you can apply in person at our square office (in Bournemouth opposite Boots) with photographic proof of age, remember to bring a current passport sized photograph. We will produce the card and get it back to you within a few days.
Q: What are the range of top ups available?
A: We currently have network cards for 7, 30 and 90 days available on our adult cards, and 7 and 30 on our child cards. We will be adding extra options in later and will keep you updated as they develop.
Q: What do I do when I get on the bus?
A: You bleep and Glo! Just place your Glo card on the target by the ticket machine and it will ‘read’ the value and beep
Q: What if it is empty when I get on the bus and needs topping up?
A: Then you just ask and pay the driver for 7 day travel, place your Glo Card on the target, and the driver will ‘top up’ your card. You lift your card from the target and replace it again, so the ticket machine can read the value, and beep to show you can board.
Q: If it’s empty shall I just get another one?
A: No, don’t throw your Glo card away, it can be used over and over again, making it much better for the environment and really simple for you to use. You just need to top your Glo card up:
- At PayPoint (over 80 agents in our network area)
- In our office in the Square (opposite Boots)
- On the bus from the driver (7 days cash only)
Q: What happens if I lose my card?
A: If you lose your Glo card, we can track it through the details you gave when you applied for the card. Email us on smartcard@yellowbuses.co.uk or call us on 636028. Once we have received the information that your card has been lost or stolen (please include your full details and password), we can stop or ‘hotlist’ the card so that it cannot be used. There may be a charge of £5 for replacement cards. We will remake the card for you, and put back in the remaining value on the card less 1 day. We suggest you make a record of the number on the front of your card, as that is unique to you.
Q: Can I top up before my Glo card runs out?
A: Yes you can, and the time will run consecutively, so for instance, if you have bought 30 days travel, and a week before the end you add another 30 days, you will have 37 days travel in your card.
Q: What if I want a break between the two?
A: If you don’t want your next travel period to start straight away, then wait until your Glo card is used right up, and then top up, your Glo will validate on first use
Q: How do I know what value there is on my card?
A: When you place your Glo card on the ‘target’ as you board the bus the value will show on the screen that faces you, or you can pop into our office in the Square (Opposite Boots in Bournemouth) and we will take a look for you.
Q: There is an expiry date on the Glo 17 cards, why can’t you just show when the card finishes?
A: The Expiry date on the Glo 17 shows when the actual card expires, which is the card holders 18th birthday, after that the card won’t accept any top ups. We don’t print an expiry date on the cards for the value because they are re-useable and you can keep them for years.
Q: Why do you need me to fill in the forms with my personal details?
A: Firstly we need to be able to send you your card, plus, we use the personal data you have given us to identify your card if it is lost or stolen. When you applied we asked if you wanted to receive updates about our services and products, if you didn’t tick that box you wont hear from us other than any queries on your Glo Card, if you did tick, you can still unsubscribe anytime you want to by emailing us at smartcard@yellowbuses.co.uk and put unsubscribe Glo in the headline, but don’t forget to include your name and address and the email address you would have subscribed with. We do not sell your information to any third parties, and it will only be used by Yellow Buses for marketing purposes.
If you still have a YellowCard
Q: I’ve started using my Yellow Card but it still has some time left.
A: That’s fine. You can use it as a flash pass to show the driver as the finish date is clearly shown.
Q: I’ve bought a Yellow Card but I haven’t started using it.
A: One of our drivers will replace your Yellow Card with a new ticket of equal value when you take your next journey with us.
Q: I normally buy a 7 day Yellow Card on the bus.
A: You can still buy a 7 day ticket on the bus from the driver, but you may well find it simpler to top up your Glo card.
Q: I normally buy my travel through PayPoint is this affected?
A: The current range of tickets available through Paypoint will not change, and you can continue to purchase them. From the end of January 2010 you will also be able to top your GLO card up at the over 80 paypoint outlets in our network area
