Oystercard - beware!

jobbingmusician

I have a pre-pay Oystercard, and have it set up to top up automatically once the balance falls below £5. This normally works fine, and saves me a lot of time which would be spent queuing.

Yesterday I entered at my normal (Zone 5) station and the balance showed as just over £5. As I was travelling to Zone 1, I assumed the card would be topped up as I exited the station. THe website says (my emphasis) 'As soon as your balance falls below £5, the card will be topped-up automatically WHENEVER YOU TOUCH IT ON A CARD READER AT ANY TUBE OR DLR STATION (no mention of entrance only).
Remember that Auto top-up is only available when using Tube or DLR services.'

After leaving the tube, I took several short bus journeys. On the penultimate journey, the bus driver announced very loudly that I had no credit left on the Oystercard. His manner made it quite clear that he thought I was trying to defraud, and he simply brushed over my attempts to explain that LT should have topped the card up.

Result - I had to pay £3 in 2 single bus fares of £1.50 each.

I have taken this up with Oystercard, and will keep you posted. In the mean time, be aware that if your pre-pay balance is low and you are intending to use the bus or tram system, you cannot rely on LT to top up your card as advertised!! :mad:

cattie

It's that Ken Livingstone's fault.

I for one am really p'd off that a bus ride now costs £1.50, yet kids can now travel free whenever & wherever they like.

I can understand & go along with free travel to & from school, but why should we be penalised with higher fares so offset this ridiculous idea.

Make sure Ken gives you your £3 back.

Keldin

I've not used the auto top-up on my card but from what you said it sounds like it worked as it should have.
You left the tube and it deducts the fare from your card which puts you below £5.
The next time you touch it to a Tube or DLR reader it will top up but you then used it on the bus so it never had a chance to top up before it ran out.
Am I missing something?
K

Kaminari_2

Cattie, why don't you get an oyster card? Then it won't be £1.50.

madnlooney

i was going to set up the auto-update, but dont use the underground so its not much use. helps me save on buses and trams tho