Oyster card for Stansted Express

[gholamkabuj]

Hello,

Last week I travelled from Liverpool street using Stansted express. I didn’t know that oyster card is not valid, so I used my photocard to tap in. I have a travelcard on that covers zones 1-3. At the airport station, my oyster card didn’t work, obviously. The staff told me to step aside and wait. Because I was late for my flight, I used my contactless and passed.

I think they did not notice me going through. I genuinely did not know oyster was not valid. Am in trouble now? What should I do? I understand contactless payment is now valid for Stansted.

 

[AlterEgo]

You left discreetly before they took any of your details, which was the best course of action. Nothing will happen. You are always free to leave in any encounter with revenue staff.

Contactless is indeed valid for Stansted now - use this next time!

 

[gholamkabuj]

You left discreetly before they took any of your details, which was the best course of action. Nothing will happen. You are always free to leave in any encounter with revenue staff.

Contactless is indeed valid for Stansted now - use this next time!

Thank you very much for your response!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Mar 2026 ==

You left discreetly before they took any of your details, which was the best course of action. Nothing will happen. You are always free to leave in any encounter with revenue staff.

Contactless is indeed valid for Stansted now - use this next time!

Just one question: would they trace my oyster card or bank card to chase me?

 

[AlterEgo]

Just one question: would they trace my oyster card or bank card to chase me?

No, and even if they did it provides no evidence of the offence. Congratulations on escaping.

 

[PeterC]

You will get maximum fares debited to both cards used as you will have two incomplete journeys.

 

[TFN]

You will get maximum fares debited to both cards used as you will have two incomplete journeys.

AFAIK not to the Oyster as there’s a Z1-3 travel card on it. Just the contactless card will have a maximum fare.

 

[RailwayRookie]

Didnt they have them huge red signs on the floor, gates and turnstiles saying oyster isn't valid? Have they got rid of them now?

 

[Djgr]

Didnt they have them huge red signs on the floor, gates and turnstiles saying oyster isn't valid? Have they got rid of them now?

I believe they have signs the size of an elephant.

 

[Edvid]

Didnt they have them huge red signs on the floor, gates and turnstiles saying oyster isn't valid? Have they got rid of them now?

I believe they have signs the size of an elephant.

Said signs have been replaced by "Tap, Tap & Away" signs promoting contactless validity to Stansted, with Oyster invalidity now just a footnote.

 

[Mawkie]

Said signs have been replaced by "Tap, Tap & Away" signs promoting contactless validity to Stansted, with Oyster invalidity now just a footnote.

An example of form over function.

Even my 5 second AI Slop version gets the point across better.

(Image shows a gateline with a floor vinyl saying "Contactless Good, Oyster Bad.")

 

[RailwayRookie]

Said signs have been replaced by "Tap, Tap & Away" signs promoting contactless validity to Stansted, with Oyster invalidity now just a footnote.

Thats not as bad then, I can excuse it. If OP had gone through the old red ones I'd have asked what the name of their guide dog was

 

[gholamkabuj]

Thats not as bad then, I can excuse it. If OP had gone through the old red ones I'd have asked what the name of their guide dog was

No it was an honest mistake! I hope the matter is concluded now

 

[RailwayRookie]

No it was an honest mistake! I hope the matter is concluded now

Of course, don't get me wrong it was just a light hearted joke. I havent been through there since it was the offensive red signage but seeing whats there now I see how it can happen. Especially if time was critical.

 

[gholamkabuj]

You will get maximum fares debited to both cards used as you will have two incomplete journeys.

Thank you. Yes that is fine, I was just worried about more serious repercussions or follow ups on this.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Mar 2026 ==

AFAIK not to the Oyster as there’s a Z1-3 travel card on it. Just the contactless card will have a maximum fare.

Thank you. Yes that is fine, I was just worried about more serious repercussions or follow ups on this.