London Banter - View Single Post

Colin Rosenstiel · October 9th 05, 06:38 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article ,
(Nick Cooper) wrote:

On Sun, 9 Oct 2005 18:29 +0100 (BST), (Colin
Rosenstiel) wrote:

In article ,
(Neil Williams) wrote:

On Sun, 9 Oct 2005 14:13 +0100 (BST), (Colin
Rosenstiel) wrote:

This is a totally absurd argument. I can look in my wallet to see
whether I've any cash left before going to an ATM. I can't look at
an Oyster before getting on a bus to see if I need to go somewhere
else to recharge it.

And the technology is available for minimal cost to provide pocket
keyring readers. So why not do it, and sell them at cost price? It
would cost TfL nothing, and would be a benefit to users.

Anyone who really wants to get smartcard reading technology can get
it quite easily and legitimately on the open market. Oystercard is
by no means proprietary in that regard, and I don't see the
argument that others have put forward that it would be a security
risk.

I seem to be expected to shell out £3 to avoid paying for two tube
singles (this year so far) and now you want people like me to pay for
a reader too?

You seem determined to cut off your nose to spite your face. You pay
£3 and unless you actually don't register it and then lose it, you
don't have to pay that £3 ever again. In two single Tube journeys,
you'll have paid for the card. After that, you start saving money
compared to paying cash. This is so blindingly simple, I'm stunned
that you can't even acknowledge the fact.

No actually. My two fares were £2 (Zone 1) and £2.30 (Zones 1 & 2),
total £4.30. As of now In don't know whether I'll want any more such
fares this year as it depends on the weather.

From Jan 2006 they would both be £3 each, total £6, or £1.50 and £2 plus
£3 for the Oyster, total £6.50, plus "cost" for an Oyster reader to know
if I've got enough credit on it the next time I use it months later.
Terrific!

--
Colin Rosenstiel