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Is Epsom still in Zone 9, or has it been snuck out?
Looking at the ‘Epsom Rail Station’ TfL webpage, it doesn’t obviously say that it is (that for Cuffley does), while the currently available Rail and Tube map shows both as ‘Outside Fare Zones’.
Well, that’s an interesting development. I would imagine Cuffley will go the same way at some point, although more people probably use Epsom than Cuffley.
Both stations are part of a growing list of places where there are different caps applied when using contactless compared to Oyster. If you use an Oyster card to these places then you will be capped at the Oyster zonal rate (not always zone 9) because that’s all Oyster can do. The adult fares get put through the back office later, but I’m assured that it won’t retrospectively increase the charge. However, when using contactless you will be subject to the contactless caps (which aren’t always more expensive).
This is a consequence of the political desire to expand Oyster to places where the cap structure did not match the travelcard prices already in place. When they finally get round to allowing discounts on contactless PAYG I fully expect Oyster to be discontinued at those places.
I think I need to look at documenting the arrangemnets at these dual-capped stations shortly.
So – what is perhaps my underlying question – is a Travelcard including Zone 9 valid for travel to Epsom? If not, as it used to be valid, when did it cease to be, and how was this announced/publicised?
It’s a good question. I will put it to my contact at GTR after the bank holiday.
When Epsom first got added to Oyster I was assured by GTR that zone 1-9 travelcards would be valid there. They don’t work the gates, but staff have definitely let people through manually. The contactless caps changed when PAYG was extended to Dorking last year. I’ll answer properly when I hear back.
Hi Michael,
The answer is shown on the fare finder when searching for a fare with Epsom at the outer end. The contactless daily caps are more expensive.
So there can now be situations where the use of a contactless card is more expensive than an Oyster card for an adult passenger, is that right?
Yes, in very limited cases. I’m waiting for feedback from GTR at the moment and will soon be publishing full details. There are 12 stations involved and in almost every case the contactless cap is cheaper. Epsom is by far the most affected, along with Cuffley to a slightly lesser extent. Watch this site/space.
A quick look in the fares finder shows Oyster Caps cheaper than Contactless ones from both Epsom and Cuffley…
A quick look in the fares finder shows Oyster Caps cheaper than Contactless ones from both Epsom and Cuffley…
Which is pretty much what I said. I’ve asked questions of GTR and am waiting for a response.
I read what you wrote as meaning the opposite (that contactless cap was the lower two). Or is it that Epsom and Cuffley are the exceptions that prove the rule?
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