"Martin Petrov" wrote in message
...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...ansport-london

Dearie me, what a grade A plank.

Reduces dwell times for buses (massively) and reduces the opportunity
for drivers to pocket cash, stops you needing to fumble for change at
the ticket machine, and is just generally A GOOD IDEA.

But no, you think you're being watched by MI5. (like they've nothing
better to do.)

Yes I have an Oyster but there are times when I have to seriously consider
whether it would be better to buy a daily travel card when I need it. It's
so easy to forget to touch in and out, particularly when you are waved
through by station staff because the machine is not working properly or
because there is congestion. I've now been told that they won't refund any
more to my card unless machines are not working. Then you have to phone the
oyster helpline, usually more than once, and then they don't refund the
correct amount. There are also lines that are not part of the oyster network
even though they serve stations that are. So you find yourself touching in
and there is nowhere to touch out at the other end. And it seems quite a
good idea to be able to enter by either door on a bus. But you can only do
that on some buses. The system needs streamlining. It's too much to expect
someone has to learn a different set of rules for different stations, lines
and modes of transport. You touch in and out on trains but not on buses.
What do I do if I'm on the platform of a station without barriers and can't
remember if I touched in? And when I have to abort a journey due to "severe
delays", there is fat chance of getting my money back. The Oyster has
disadvantages as well as advantages.