Colin Rosenstiel wrote:

Yes but the main issue is the train companies' decision not to
participate in the Oyster scheme except to the barest extent
necessary.

Correction: The main issue is the government's refusal to allow the
train companies to participate in the Oyster scheme except to the barest
extent necessary (because it is not standards-compliant).

Everyone seems to have someone else to blame for the current mess!

If the government is vetoing implementing it, how do you explain the
requirements for the South West Trains franchise?