We’ve all heard the announcements about ‘card clash’ – from tomorrow London commuters will be able to pay Tube and rail fares using contactless cards.
Contactless payments will work the same way as payments using Oyster cards. Adult pay-as-you-go fares will be charged when swiping in and out at the beginning and end of each journey. Daily and weekly fare caps will still apply, but those using concessionary or season tickets will need to continue using Oyster.
Since fares will be charged directly to customer’s contactless bank cards, there will be no need to waste valuable time on the daily commute topping up Oyster cards.
“Customers can look forward to having an easier and more convenient way to pay for their travel, freeing them of the need to top up Oyster credit and helping them to get on board without delay,” said Shashi Verma, TfL’s director of customer experience.
Contactless payments have been accepted on London buses since December 2012. TFL’s plans to gradually reduce cash payments will not only save customers time, but will also and save the transport system itself money. TFL estimates it can save £30m a year from no longer having to accept cash on buses, and even more once contactless payments roll out across the rest of the transport system.
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