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When did oyster fares go up?

The Mayor of London has announced that Transport for London (TfL) fares will rise by 5.9% from 5th March 2023 – which is in line with the Government's increase to national rail fares.



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When does the price increase come into effect? TfL fares will go up from March 2023.

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Mayor Sadiq Khan decided to follow the Government's lead in imposing an average 5.9 per cent hike on TfL services, which include the Elizabeth line and the London Overground. This means he is imposing the biggest fares hike in more than a decade on London transport.

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Is it cheaper to use Oyster or contactless? As both cards use the same Pay As You Go system and are compatible with the TfL Oyster & Contactless app, the costs are comparable. As a tourist in London, it can be worth getting an Oyster Card as part of the London Pass.

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It's more than 50% cheaper than buying a paper Travelcard or single tickets with cash. Oyster cards have a daily price cap – once you reach this limit, you won't pay for any additional journeys (excluding Thames Clippers River Bus where there is no capping).

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Supports cash: If you want to pay for your transport in London using cash, you can buy and top up an Oyster card with cash. This is normally a lot more cost effective than paying for a cash ticket, with the rare exception of a one-off single journey as you have to consider the cost of the Oyster card.

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In addition to cheaper individual rides, when traveling with an Oyster Card, a 'cap' is automatically applied once you reach a certain amount each day. For example, the most you will ever spend in one day when traveling within zones 1 & 2 with an Oyster Card is £7.70.

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Pre-pandemic, the Tube required the least subsidy of almost any city. From a day-to-day operations point of view, it was covering its own costs. That is quite unusual for a European or North American metro. “But when the pandemic hit, the percentage increase in subsidy went through the roof.

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The 10p is a pre-authorisation charge that's taken at the start of the journey - it's basically a way of making sure that you're presenting a valid card at the start before the fare proper is taken. Once you tap out, that's when you should be charged the proper fare.

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60+ London Oyster photocard This allows you to travel for free on most public transport in London. You can apply from two weeks before your 60th birthday.

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What happens if my value/credit runs out? If you need to add more value/credit to your Visitor Oyster card you can simply 'top up' at one of the machines in the stations, or by going to one of the Transport for London ticket desks. Any credit you don't use can be kept on your card for use at a later date.

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Cons: A £7 cost applies when you get a standard or visitor card. You'll need to top it up in advance of travel. You can't use an Oyster card at any station between Reading and Iver.

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Get an 18+ Student Oyster photocard You can save 30% on Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes with our 18+ Student Oyster photocard. You can also use this Oyster card to pay as you go but you won't receive the 30% discount. Find the cost of Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes.

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How to travel cheap in London
  • Get an Oyster card. ...
  • Go contactless. ...
  • Know where you're travelling to. ...
  • Avoid travelling during peak hours. ...
  • Take the bus for long distances. ...
  • Take advantage of the Hopper fare. ...
  • Rent a bike when it's sunny. ...
  • Walk wherever possible.


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1. Get an Oyster card. As you move around London you will spot locals tapping something against a yellow card reader at the underground turnstiles, on buses, trams, and even on the Thames Clipper Uber boat. This is an Oyster card, and it is an incredible 50% cheaper than buying single tickets or a paper travelcard.

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