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TfL or Transport for London is one of the most prominent local government bodies in Europe. It looks after the local transportation of London’s citizens and visiting tourists. Local transportation is extremely popular among the citizens of London.
This popularity also results in overcrowding of the transportation system during peak hours. The government works exceptionally hard to make sure everyone has access to the various means of transportation. This is one of the reasons why they introduced the Oyster card.
The Oyster Card is a convenient mode of electronic payments that can be directly made to TfL. However, the charges may vary from regular hours to peak hours which may confuse commuters.
What are peak fares in TfL?
As defined by the official TfL website, Peak hours are between Monday to Friday (not on public holidays) between 06:30 and 09:30 and between 16:00 and 19:00. Commuters will be charged surge prices or peak fares during these hours.
Peak fares are charged during the hours in which most people are using the public transport. This is in the morning when commuters are rushing to the office and to schools, and in the evening when they are coming back.
These prices are slightly higher than the regular transport rates within the city. While people travelling can still use their Oyster Cards to pay for their rides, the fares would differ for peak hours.
How does it work?
Oyster Card users have a very straightforward travelling process for TfL. They need to enter a train station and check their cards before boarding a train. Once they arrive at their desired destination, they can disembark the train and check out at the booth again.
The check-in time and the check out time at the different stations determine the total fare. This fare will be charged to your card directly. You can add money to your Oyster Card whenever needed through an app on your phone.
While you need t check out on trains once you get off at the station, this second step is not required for busses. You will have to check in while hopping on the bus, but you will not have to check out.
It is very easy to manage your Oyster Card funds now. All you need to do is download an app on your phone to control your total balance, stop or resume services, etc.
Peak fares and The Oyster Card
Here’s a more straightforward breakdown to understand how the Oyster Card payments work in peak hours and otherwise.
For trains:
You will be charged depending on the time you check in. So, if you get to a station during peak hours and check-in, you will be charged surge fares on your Oyster Card.
Many commuters are confused about how the fares work if you get off the train after peak fares. In a situation where you hop on the train during peak fare hours and get off after the end, you will be charged your check-in rates.
It does not matter when you get off a train; you will have to pay the fares when you check-in. The same goes the other way around too. If you take a train before the peak hours start and get off once they have begun, you will be charged off-peak fares.
Contrarily, for busses, you only have to check in once. So, you will be charged depending on when you checked in.
Who can get the Oyster Card?
An Oyster Card is one of the most popular ways to pay for local transport in London. While most locals have a permanent Oyster Card made for their regular use, anyone outside London can also get one.
If you are not from the city, you can apply for an Oyster Card before travelling to London. The card will be ready and will arrive at your given address when you reach the city. It may seem challenging to leave your country and travel to London.
Most people spend ample time planning their trips and micromanaging everything they need. However, most tourists forget that it is crucial to think about the commute after you arrive.
An Oyster Card is the best solution to this problem. Tourists and short-term visitors can make the most of the public transportation system and use it just like the locals do with Oyster Cards.
Where can you get an Oyster Card from?
If you are visiting London, you can apply for an Oyster Card before arriving in the city. The online application will guide You through the process. Your card will arrive at the address mentioned on the website. You can then carry this card with you on your travels.
One thing you must take note of is that visitor Oyster Cards are not available on arrival. This means you need to apply for one of these cards beforehand.
You can also get the Oyster Card at London airports. This facility is available at every airport in London except the London Southend Airport. Buying an Oyster Card at the airport is relatively simple and requires no prior applications.
Here are a few airports you can consider getting an Oyster Card at.
1. Heathrow London Airport
Oyster Cards are available at the airport tube station cashier window. Reach the underground after exiting the airport and follow the signs to reach your destination.
2. Gatwick London Airport
You can get an Oyster Card at the Gatwick North Terminal or the Gatwick South Terminal. You can reach out to the concierge outlets at the Skybreak Service Centre and get yourself the card. You can also get these cards at the train station by the airport.
3. Luton London Airport
Oyster Cards are available at the National Express or the Onward Travel Centre at the Luton London Airport.
4. Stansted London Airport
Oyster Cards are readily available at the train station by the Stansted London Airport. You can buy yourself a card at the station and then take a train down to Central London!
5. London City Airport
Oyster Cards are available at the DLR station cashier window. All you have to do is reach the underground after following the signs from the airport.
To conclude with
Oyster Cards are a boon for travellers in London. Not only are they cheaper, but they also make travelling very convenient. All you need to do is check-in and check out at stations, and your card will automatically debit the outstanding fare.
The card is beneficial in peak hours when commuters cannot decide what their fare needs to be. With this automated debiting system, you can rest assured that you are not overpaying for your local transport in London!
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