Ferry passengers could soon be able to dodge long queues by buying their tickets online.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Transport and Regulatory Affairs have teamed up to find an online seller for ferry tickets and have issued a request for proposal with a view to the introduction of the new service next spring.

A spokesman for the BTA said that “increased convenience for ferry users” was the main reason for the bid to do away with paper tickets and tokens.

He said: “The point-of-sale will be designed to take place online so riders can show proof of purchase without paper, using their smartphones instead.”

The spokesman said the move would benefit visitors and locals.

He explained: “For visitors this should result in shorter lines and wait times at Visitor Services Centres where large numbers of cruise passengers queue to buy fares, usually all at once.

“The Visitor Services Centres provide free wi-fi, which will enable visitors to be processed quickly.

“Similarly, local riders would be able to buy fares on their computer or smartphone and complete their ferry ride without the need for paper tickets or tokens.”

The spokesman added that online sales would also cut the cost of ticket printing.

The RFP said there was a two-stage process for bids to set up a mobile ticketing pilot programme.

The first phase includes system development and implementation, testing, training, and deployment into service.

The goal of the first phase is to be operational by April 1 this year, with the second stage a fully functioning system.

The full RFP can be found on the BTA corporate website.

The deadline for responses is March 9 at 5pm.