Forum Topic

Understanding Fares on the New TfL Rail Line Through Ealing

I was struggling to understand how fares were going to operate on the 'new' service set to be introduced when TfL takes over GWR services between Reading and Paddington. There seems to be very little actual change other than an increased opportunity to use contactless and Oyster but there is a really interesting explanation of what is happening and why on this link. You'll need to scroll down a bit to get to the relevant bit although other stuff on the page is also fascinating.

Gordon Southwell ● 2226d6 Comments

Interesting stuff.Isn't Oyster protected by all these unpaid balances because ultimately they are account for as an liability on TfL books but act essentially as a free perpetual loan with no interest payable? This would counteract the higher fees they have to pay compared to contactless.

Andy Jones ● 2216d

TfL own the brand but it is operated by HP and Cubic Transportation as a joint venture with TfL.

N V Brooks ● 2218d

I would have thought that the % handling charge using a third party contact card would be greater than on the Oyster Card which I had assumed in an in-house resource? But maybe I am wrong on that last point?

Philip Coe ● 2218d

Sadly the donation to charity is not automatic and the Oyster user has to actively make a donation using one of the dozen or so charity collection points.I used the one at Victoria when I qualified for my Freedom Pass.What happens to the balances on cards unused by tourists etc is not at all clear.Back last year both The Guardian and The Independent reported that TfL were sitting on (and presumably earning interest on) £321 million of unused card balances.

N V Brooks ● 2218d

"They'll also get a massive balance sheet boost when they get rid because of all the unused balances."TFL normally passes these to charities.

Paul James ● 2218d

Interesting item. Thanks for the link. What seems likely now is that TfL will gradually seek to phase out Oyster as they make a better margin on contactless. They'll also get a massive balance sheet boost when they get rid because of all the unused balances.

Dennis O'Shea ● 2219d