Bus passengers with insufficient pay as you go Oyster credit will be allowed to travel and pay later from this Sunday.
The ‘One More Journey’ feature is being introduced ahead of the axing of cash fares next month and is designed to address concerns expressed by London Assembly members and the capital’s passenger watchdog that some passengers could otherwise be left stranded.
Transport for London says the majority of people who pay cash are Oyster card holders who find themselves with insufficient pay as go credit to travel or had left their Oyster card at home.
By allowing passengers to make an extra journey, TfL is hoping to minimise the impact of with drawing cash fares. Passengers can also pay at Oyster rates using a contactless debit or credit card.
Those who use the ‘One More Journey’ feature will receive an emergency fare advice slip which will remind them of the need to top-up their Oyster before they can travel again.
The cost of their journey will then be debited from their top-up.
Mike Weston, TfL Director of Buses, said: “Introducing this facility is the first of many steps we are taking to ensure a smooth transition to cash free bus travel from 6 July when passengers will benefit from quicker boarding and the guarantee of always paying the cheapest fare for their journey by paying with an Oyster or contactless payment card.”
TfL says it’s added additional retailers to the Oyster Ticket Stop network, meaning passengers have more places to top-up before they travel.
In addition, the capital’s 24,000 bus drivers have been given additional guidance on how to assist vulnerable passengers unable to pay for their journey.
