Why is there a need of so many different prices? Other countries can fit an area of a hundred kilometre radius into about a dozen of fare zones or even less! 40 years ago work was done to fit London into 5 (eventually 6) fare zones, why can’t the process be repeated now to the wider commuter area?!
I have just got a response of an FOI about this change, and it has basically revealed no information about this change at all:
“By way of context, TSGN understands that your request relates to a technical change made in December 2025 to the way Oyster pay as you go (PAYG) capping is calculated for journeys involving Cuffley and Epsom. We are advised that this change did not alter the fares paid by Oyster PAYG customers.”
1. Any communication between TSGN and TfL (who operates the Oyster system) in regard to the rezoning of these two stations
“TSGN has identified no recorded information relating to discussions with Transport for London (TfL) concerning a decision to rezone Cuffley and Epsom from Zone 9 to Zone 10.
We are advised that TSGN was not involved in discussions regarding the technical implementation of the change referred to in your request.”
2. The business case of rezoning these stations from Zone 9 to Zone 10, along with any impact assessment and publicity relating to the change
“TSGN does not hold a business case relating to the change referenced in your
request.
We are advised that no business case or impact assessment was produced by TSGN
in relation to this change.
TSGN also does not hold any specific publicity material concerning the change. We are advised that the only changes made were updates to published PAYG cap
information.”
3. Any legal advice sought on the issue of fare regulation, as Oyster PAYG fares are regulated fares
“TSGN does not hold any recorded legal advice within the scope of this part of your request.
We are advised that no legal advice was sought in relation to this matter.”
4. The number of penalty fares given at Epsom and Cuffley since the change took effect when passengers presented a Travelcard not covering the correct zones
“The change took effect on 7 December 2025.
TSGN has reviewed the available Revenue Protection records for Epsom and Cuffley following implementation of the change. Revenue Protection records do not identify any penalty fares issued where a passenger presented a Travelcard that did not cover the correct zones as a result of this change.
We are also advised that none of the identified penalty fare records show a Travelcard as the ticket type presented.
Accordingly, the number identified within the scope of your request is: 0.”
I am so surprised with this outcome, that they could have silently slipped a fare increase without any prior discussion (items 1 and 2), without them being aware of it (“We are advised that this change
did not alter the fares paid by Oyster PAYG customers.”) and without any existing passengers being affected (items 4).
