The introduction of the oyster card in 2003 has made negotiating London’s public transport much easier. No more figuring out the correct fare, no more worrying over whether you’ve got enough money, no more waiting for change. Just swipe your card on the bus, tube train or tram, and away you go.
So, what is the oyster card exactly? It’s a smart card that is valid on London’s various public transport options – the underground (tube), buses, docklands light railway (DLR), Thames boats such as the Thames Clippers and overground trains. On the bus, you swipe it as you board – the machine is usually by the driver – while on the trains and tube you swipe the card as you enter and exit the station. Easy.
The key thing about the oyster card is, of course, that it is cheaper – by about half – than cash for single fares. For example a bus journey using an oyster card costs £1.20, while buying a cash ticket costs £2. A tube journey in zone 1 (central London) costs £1.80 using an oyster card, and £4 if you pay by cash. It’s quite a saving.
London residents who use public transport a lot usually get Travel Cards or passes – valid for anything from a week to a year – as it is more economical. For visitors and casual users, it is possible to use the oyster card on a “Pay as you go” basis. Just put some money on the card when you first buy it at any train or tube station, then top it up with more cash as needed. It is possible to top it up at train stations and any number of small shops, usually newsagents, around the city.
Image: Oyster Card, by Oxyman
