London TravelWatch has called for a fairer deal for Oyster users ahead of the Mayor’s rail summit with the capital’s train companies being held today.

London TravelWatch is calling for the rail companies and the Mayor to:

·         Work closely together to stop passengers being charged a maximum fare on Oyster cards after problems touching in or out

·         Abolish Oyster Extension Permits for travelling on rail, which are confusing, badly-advertised and have led to many passengers being unfairly fined

·         Look at extending Oyster beyond the current stations to places such as Dartford, Epsom Esher, Waltham Cross, Cheshunt and Slough and Windsor.

Sharon Grant, Chair, London TravelWatch said: “We’re delighted that the Mayor is meeting the rail industry face to face but there are problems we want them to address, not least about Oyster. We know that overcharging on Oysters – especially at rail stations – is a huge problem, involving a significant sum of money and it must be investigated without delay. We would also like to see the benefits of Oyster extended to busy stations on key commuter lines, whose passengers may well already use Oyster on local buses.

“Finally, we call for the rail companies to abolish the ludicrous Oyster Extension Permits which most passengers don’t even know exist until they receive penalty fares . These ‘permits’ are bewildering for passengers and should be scrapped.  The rail summit provides a golden opportunity to put passengers first: we hope they take it.”

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