Transport authorities have denied reports that today's introduction of school bus fares led to significant delays, with half the smartcards failing.

The government says a total of 2,195 Go cards were used successfully this morning on school buses. A total of 53 passengers didn't pay but will have to from tomorrow.

Director of public transport Ian Longworth said: 'I am pleased that the Go cards implementation went smoothly. I would like to thank everyone involved for contributing to a successful switch to smart cards, especially the students for whom it is a big change. Our drivers and management staff have spent many months preparing for this and I’d like to say well done to the whole team.

'A small percentage of card failures was anticipated but the first live test of the new smart travel cards was very satisfying from an operational perspective.'

He said radio reports of delays and card failures were untrue, adding that the Ramsey bus was 4 minutes late departing and accumulated a few more minutes delay because of traffic congestion, and only two card failures were reported by bus drivers.

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