A new Oyster app which allows users to top up their card while on the move is now available to download for iPhone and Android smartphones.
Top-ups made via the app, which was designed by Transport for London and developed by Cubic Transportation Systems, can be collected after 30 minutes by touching the Oyster card on the yellow card reader at any Tube or rail station, tram stop or River Bus pier.
In addition to checking their balance and adding funds to their card, the app also enables customers to view their last eight weeks journey history.
TfL says it will be updated later this year to allow top-ups to be collected by touching in on any of London’s 9,000 buses and to allow users to apply for refunds for incomplete journeys.
Customers wanting to use the app need to have an Oyster online account which can be set up within the app or by visiting TfL’s website.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “London continues to lead the way using new technology to improve our transport network, and I’m delighted that our new app will make topping up your Oyster card much easier and more convenient.
“We’ve all had to top up our Oyster card when we’re in a rush or queue at a ticket machine, so being able to add money quickly using your phone will make a real difference to busy commuters.
“As we continue to build a world-class, affordable transport network across our city, we will make sure we utilise the very latest technology to improve the experience for every passenger.”
Shashi Verma, Chief Technology Officer at TfL, added: “Pay as you go with Oyster and Contactless has delivered greater convenience for our customers, and we are constantly trying to make further improvements.
“As smartphones become an increasingly essential part of our customers’ lives, we are introducing this app to make the process of buying and checking travel products as quick and convenient as possible.”
The app’s launch follows a major update of the Oyster system in July which made it possible for customers to collect top ups on the same day they paid and ended the need to nominate a specific station for the transaction
Janet Cooke, Chief Executive of passenger watchdog London TravelWatch, said: “These latest improvements will help passengers ensure they get the best value for money from their Oyster products and satisfy a demand we identified in our 2013 Value for Money research.
“They will also make it much more convenient for passengers to top up, removing the need to queue at a ticket machine.”
To download the app onto your mobile click here: Apple (iOS) | Android
