Paper cheaper than Oyster on some NR journeys

Thanks to forum user Feathers we’ve spotted that another rounding amonaly has crept in for late adopting National Rail services in zones 2-6. These are Southeastern, Southern, Southwestern Railway, and Thameslink (outside the middle).  If you commute at peak times on a two zone journey outside zone 1 (so 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 or 5-6) then … Read more

Time Allowed to Complete Journey

Also known as the maximum journey time, this is an area where TfL have been reluctant to publish details in the recent past. However, after a referral and discussion with the Information Commissioner, TfL have now supplied a spreadsheet containing all the information.  This is a significant step towards a more transparent attitude to PAYG … Read more

Abbey Wood Validators – The Saga Continues

With thanks to my spy who regularly uses Abbey Wood, I can confirm that 5 of the 6 new validators are now working on platforms 3 and 4 at Abbey Wood.  These are the 4 validators next to the middle footbridge (2 by the escalators and 2 by the stairs) and the one near the … Read more

Abbey Wood Platform Validators

I’ve just been through Abbey Wood and noticed that there are 6 new validators on platforms 3 and 4.  They’re all covered with a dark blue canvas cover at present, but presumably they will be activated soon.  Staff on the platform say that it’s due to happen by the end of the summer, so I … Read more

The Whitechapel Problem

Over the years since Oyster was rolled out there have been a number of new interchanges added to the system. Notable among those have been Warren Street to Euston Square, Bayswater to Queensway, Aldgate to Aldgate East and Cannon Street NR to Bank. More recently a tranche of new interchanges appeared to service the Elizabeth … Read more

Overcharging at Farringdon

Further to earlier posts about Farringdon and the initial lack of validators to start/end a PAYG journey on the Elizabeth line when using a ticket on Thameslink services, a new issue has cropped up which results in some users being charged for an incomplete journey. Between the southern (back) end of the northbound Thameslink platform … Read more

Lame and Late April Fool?

On Monday morning the i website published an article suggesting that TfL could soon reclassify Fridays as off-peak all day. Now I know that Avanti West Coast already do this, but they are into long distance travel, and promoting a long weekend when business had already deserted the trains is clearly a smart move.  TfL … Read more

Warning! Redhill via Gatwick Airport

Note: Some of the details below will change on March 5th. Redhill will no longer be included, and caps will no longer apply if using the Express service to get to Horley, Salfords or Earlswood. Last September I posted about a change to fares between Victoria and Redhill, Earlswood, Salfords and Horley when travelling via … Read more

New Year Thoughts 2023

As we head into 2023 I notice that not much has been posted recently outside the forum. So, to rectify that, here are some general items for the coming year. As is now normal, the January fares revision has been moved again.  This year it will take effect on Sunday 5th March.  Previously it was … Read more