More than 5,000 people used the digital fare media system for public transport by the end of last month, the House of Assembly heard today.

Wayne Furbert said that the Shorelink app for bus and ferry services attracted an average influx of 500 to 700 weekly users up to the end of August.

The transport minister added that the “smooth integration” of the system brought in about 1,000 new users to the system during the week of its launch in July.

Mr Furbert told MPs $8,700 in revenue was brought in from the first week of the system’s operation.

That number ballooned to an “impressive” total of $109,000 in cumulative sales by the end of August — with sales hitting $14,700 in the final week of the month.

MPs heard that in the first week after launch, 1,135 tickets, passes and tokens were sold by the Department of Public Transportation.

Mr Furbert said 2,000 were sold in the last week of August.

As the phased implementation of the system continues, Mr Furbert said residents could still use traditional fares.

Phases two and three, to be implemented this year, will bring a host of new features, including real-time information for passengers, and the option to pay with credit and debit cards.

Mr Furbert said contactless transportation passes would replace all existing passes.

Seniors, children and those with special needs will be able to buy their passes through the mobile application.

A physical contactless pass will be available for those without access to a smartphone, ensuring seamless boarding on buses and ferries.

Mr Furbert told the House the ministry was confident of a better user experience, accessibility and overall efficiency in public transportation system with the enhancements.