On 23 Dec, 11:59, Mr Thant
wrote:

On 23 Dec, 11:55, Matthew Dickinson
wrote:

I note that the Heathrow branch is now included on this map, though it
is grayed out at present.

The most recent board papers said they're looking at using it on
Heathrow Connect. They also said everyone but SWT (with their ITSO
problems) is installing readers. Slightly hazy on how solid the
agreement was, however.

20 September 2009 is also the Southern franchise changeover date.


As has been discussed beforehand Oyster readers are being installed
all over Southern Metro territory, though obviously remain out of use
(many underneath black fabric covers).

I'm mildly curios to know who's actually behind this project - if the
franchisee Southern is doing it, then they must surely be doing it as
an agent for someone else - presumably either DfT Rail or TfL, or a
combination of both - because what would be in it for them otherwise,
what with their franchise coming to an end. Of course they might well
win the next franchise - indeed most people seem to think this is
highly likely - but they won't have stumped up money to facilitate the
installation of these Oyster readers based on the gamble that they
would win the next franchise. The other option is that TfL are funding
the works in their entirety. The RSP (or indeed ATOC) couldn't be
behind it, could they?

Anyway, regardless of how it's being done, it's good news. I guess
there may be some worries about the possibility of subsequent cutbacks
in booking office opening hours, as has happened on the Underground.

I'm pretty sure that the TOCs will find their revenue take on London
journeys rise significantly after they start accepting Oyster PAYG,
though to feel the full benefits they might actually have to attempt a
spot of revenue protection enforcement* here and there!

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* Not quite the right phrase but you know what I mean.