CATCHING the bus in the Borders has just become a whole lot easier.

Mobile phone users can now buy tickets, track journeys and check timetables from the palm of their hand following this week's launch of the Borders Busses app.

The mobile app offers a range of functions including live tracking system feeds from the on-bus ticket machines to provide real-time visibility of all Borders Buses’ vehicles.

And passengers will be able to identify bus stop arrival and departure times by a simple tap of the screen.

Sharon Morrison, commercial manager at Borders Buses, told us: “We are excited to launch our Borders Buses app and following a successful pilot period, and early feedback, we expect it to be a sure hit with our customers.

“The technology within the app, especially the journey tracker and bus stop information, will make bus travel simple and easier for not just our regular customers but for infrequent and new customers too.

“We especially hope the added assurance of tracking journeys encourages more people to ditch the car, get off the train and try the bus.”

To launch the app a choice of discounted mobile tickets has been introduced.

The tickets cover the full Borders Buses network and include a single (£4.50), unlimited Day (£7.99) and Weekly (£39.99) tickets.

And a more extensive ticket choice is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Christine Grahame MSP was at this week's launch. She said: “Since Borders Buses took over from many of the Borders routes there has been a steady improvement in services for my constituents and for the staff working for them, including a refreshed fleet with the Borders Buses logo.

“The app is the latest upgrade of these services and will be invaluable to passengers, especially the tracker service.

"My report card for Borders Buses to date is 10 out of 10."

The Borders Buses app has been built by award-winning software developers Passenger Technology Group (PTG).

PTG CEO Tom Quay added: “We’ve delivered a high quality mobile app that brings together the fantastic work that Borders Buses are doing in the Borders and beyond.

"From the day we launched, the response from customers has been incredible.

"The app launch is the culmination of a great team effort and I’m proud to say has positively impacted the customer experience for many who travel with Borders Buses. It really is a pleasure to be working with such a dedicated team.”

Designed for ease of use with both Apple and Android mobile devices, the Borders Buses mobile app is free to download and easy to use.

To download the app search for Borders Buses in the Apple App Store, for iPhones, and the Google Play Store, for Android devices.