Contactless on GWR from Reading to Paddington

[eroded]

Hi,

My friend informs me that GWR guards have no way of knowing whether you touched in or not with contactless, as they lack the equipment to do so.

He is hesitant to upgrade with Weekend First or Seatfrog as a result.

I’ve found other London TOC RPIs have contactless readers.

What’s the situation here? Are readers on their way? Do the guards just have to take your word for it?

 

[Watershed]

Hi,

My friend informs me that GWR guards have no way of knowing whether you touched in or not with contactless, as they lack the equipment to do so.

He is hesitant to upgrade with Weekend First or Seatfrog as a result.

I’ve found other London TOC RPIs have contactless readers.

What’s the situation here? Are readers on their way? Do the guards just have to take your word for it?

No RPI or member of on-the-ground staff can detect whether you've touched in, regardless of TOC. The only thing they can do is to check whether your card is blocked.

Their day's card checks are transmitted to the back office at the end of the day, and any card that wasn't touched in at the time of a check will be charged a penalty (I think it's a maximum fare, but could be more). Any card that does this several times will be blocked.

A contactless card is a valid ticket and is eligible for a Weekend First or Seatfrog upgrade.

 

[MikeWh]

GWR guards have no way of knowing whether you touched in or not with contactless

Correct. And neither do any other guards or revenue inspectors.

What’s the situation here? Are readers on their way? Do the guards just have to take your word for it?

If the upgrade is valid with PAYG fares then yes.