Lost Student Oyster Cards

SharkyGeorge

Heya,

I found out today (despite assurances to the contrary when I bought my annual student oyster card) that if I lose it I will not be able to transfer the ticket onto a new card.

Since I specifically bought an annual card in order to avoid the fare increases this year, this would mean I would have to pay for them (since I would only be refunded pro rata).

This does NOT apply to adult Oyster cards, who will have theirs transferred.

This is outrageously unfair (but typical of a regime that consistently steals from the poor).

Does anyone have any experience of this happening to them and if there is any way to beat it and, additionally, is there any way it could be drawn to Martin's/MSE's attention?

Thanks in advance,

SG

farso

I think the simple solution is to take care of your oyster card?

If I bought an Ipod and lost it, Id hardly expect to go back to the shop and merely ask for another (and all my songs to be transferred)

SharkyGeorge

Your comments aren't particularly constructive: it's not the same thing as losing an ipod - it's the same thing as losing your credit card. Why should they take the balance off of your card, particularly if (in the case of an Oyster) you are required to pay for the physical replacement (which is fair).

Additionally, they offer full transfers on adult cards - for student cards they just give you a partial refund.

Moreover, in my friend's case, which is how I found out about this, his wallet was stolen and it contained his student Oystercard - as much as people love to whinge about student irresponsibility, it wasn't his fault.

farso

Not entirely sure what you were wanting to hear by posting that on there. Credit cards are protected by law, oyster cards are not, like any other physical goods that you might just so happen to loose.

If your really that bothered, get insurance like everyone else who likes to loose things.

SharkyGeorge

I'm wanting to hear whether anyone else has had their Oyster card lost/stolen and what happened to their balance - was it transferred or was a lesser amount 'refunded'?

This is really unjust - particularly as students can ill-afford to lose these funds.

Do let me know if you've had a similar experience!

PS, Farso, yes "people who like to lose things" - I'm sure you have in your life lost something valuable so no need for the attitude.

Zinger549

If you register your card your money is protected if you loose it.

SharkyGeorge

Thanks Zinger.

Student cards are automatically registered as you have to apply for them specifically - do you have any experience with this?

Orly_2

I lost my card, I called them to report it. I had to pay another £5 to get another one and my balance and travel card wasnt transferred.

Luckily I was on a weekly travel card - so the loss was minimal.

Orly

Fire_Fox

SharkyGeorge wrote: »

I'm wanting to hear whether anyone else has had their Oyster card lost/stolen and what happened to their balance - was it transferred or was a lesser amount 'refunded'?

This is really unjust - particularly as students can ill-afford to lose these funds.

Do let me know if you've had a similar experience!

PS, Farso, yes "people who like to lose things" - I'm sure you have in your life lost something valuable so no need for the attitude.

If you were losing the entire balance on the card when it was stolen I would feel it was unjust. If you lose your bus pass tough, you buy another. Therefore I generally buy weekly passes or take particular care of my monthly pass - it doesn't live in my purse but in an inner pocket, for example. Pain to get at but far less likely to get lost or stolen.

In general, students are not that badly off. There are plenty of examples on these boards of students who are still adding to their savings during their studies - it's certainly possible to live comfortably. £2800 for maintenance grant (or equivalent from parents), £4000 per annum from working part-time (14 hours per week at minimum wage), £1000 for working overtime (summer/ easter/ xmas) ... all tax-free.

Then there's the discounted travel costs (30% for Oyster), council tax exemption, SU card discounts, 0% overdraft facility, 3% student loans .... it all adds up. The vast majority of student debts are from poor budgeting and consumbles such as clothes, nights out etc. If you head over to the Debt-free Wannabe board you will find entire families living on £4000 a year (plus mortgage and council tax) - it really can be done.I speak as a full-time mature student myself, so I am not having a go BTW just wanted to make you think.

farso

Fire_Fox wrote: »

If you were losing the entire balance on the card when it was stolen I would feel it was unjust. If you lose your bus pass tough, you buy another. Therefore I generally buy weekly passes or take particular care of my monthly pass - it doesn't live in my purse but in an inner pocket, for example. Pain to get at but far less likely to get lost or stolen.

In general, students are not that badly off. There are plenty of examples on these boards of students who are still adding to their savings during their studies - it's certainly possible to live comfortably. £2800 for maintenance grant (or equivalent from parents), £4000 per annum from working part-time (14 hours per week at minimum wage), £1000 for working overtime (summer/ easter/ xmas) ... all tax-free.

Then there's the discounted travel costs (30% for Oyster), council tax exemption, SU card discounts, 0% overdraft facility, 3% student loans .... it all adds up. The vast majority of student debts are from poor budgeting and consumbles such as clothes, nights out etc. If you head over to the Debt-free Wannabe board you will find entire families living on £4000 a year (plus mortgage and council tax) - it really can be done.I speak as a full-time mature student myself, so I am not having a go BTW just wanted to make you think.

Absolutly spot on! Im also a student and cant believe the amount of money is given in handouts and special student deals. I have more disposable income and free time than when I just had a full time job and lived in my own house. Fantastic.

But then you get the other students (of which some of my housemates are) who dont understand what money is and are always on the edge of their overdraft. Could have something to do with poor budgeting like you said, or perhaps the lack of respect for the value of money too. One of my housemates has lost 5 phones this year, each time buying a relativley high value (£100+) new one to replace it.

Theres no wonder students are hated by workers, most of them get everything but aren't greatful for anything.

GlasweJen

OP, just look after your card and if you feel really strongly then write to the people who give out oyster cards and ask them to explain their policy specifically asking why they can transfer full balances onto adult cards but not students.