Michael R N Dolbear wrote:
Mizter T wrote i
..
Just noticed that TfL has launched a new facility on the fares
section
of their website - a "Single fare finder".

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/fares-tickets/fare-finder/

You input your start and finish station - the fares finder is replete
with a javascript auto-complete function - then select adult or child
and and click on "Show fares".

The applicable fares are then listed - the far cheaper Oyster fares
comes first (both the peak and off peak fares are listed if there's a
difference), followed by the pricey cash/printed ticket fare.

It's basically just a friendly front end to a simple database that
lists which stations are in what zones.

Err, that wouldn't work. The fare finder has to know how many zones
have to be crossed for a reasonable route from A to B and whether this
includes zone 1

I recall it being noted on this NG that some Oyster fares assume a zone
one route is taken. A simple lookup for fares would have 20,000+
entries, making all the contiguous stations on one line in one zone one
entry would chop this down a good deal.


I'd seen this before but not thought much of it - however, as you
mention, it does actually show what routes are set as the default for
certain journeys. For example, Shepherd's Bush (Central) to Stamford
Brook is routed via Z1, but to Turnham Green is routed via Z3.
Similarly, to Rayners Lane it is routed out of London (via Ealing
Broadway and Ealing Common) but to West Harrow, it is routed via London
(e.g. Notting Hill Gate/Baker St or Bond St/Finchley Rd)

--
Dave Arquati
www.alwaystouchout.com - Transport projects in London