The letter, expected to be published by the papers over the coming days and reproduced below, has been issued in the name of Shashi Verma, TfL’s Director of Customer Experience.
It follows reports that Londoners and visitors to the capital have more than £53m tied up in unused Oyster cards.
TfL has previously promised to make the refunds process “easier”.
As part of its changes, Oyster holders will soon be able to get a refund at their local Tube station regardless of the payment method used. Currently only cash top-ups can be refunded at stations.
TfL’s letter to local newspapers:
We encourage anyone who does not intend to use an old Oyster card to return it for a refund. The steps involved in doing so are easy.
Contact us on 0343 222 1234 and we will transfer the deposit and any outstanding balance into your bank account on return of the card.
Refunds can also be given at any London Underground ticket office if cash has been used to top up the Oyster card. Later this year, we will also be able to process all refunds regardless of the payment method used, at ticket offices.
The best way to keep track of your Oyster balance is by setting up an Oyster Online account at www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster.
I would also like to reassure everyone that every pound of our income is reinvested in improving the journeys our customers and road users make.
Shashi Verma
Director of Customer Experience
Transport for London
