Oyster validator not working on a bus

[bicbasher]

I boarded a bus this afternoon where the Oyster reader was covered up with a "NOT WORKING" message written in biro was taped to it.

The driver allowed everyone to board the bus without any checks. If a London Buses RPI checked my card and noticed I didn't touch in, despite having a 7 Day Bus & Tram Pass, would I have received a penalty fare?

Technically, should the driver have asked passengers to pay the £2.40 bus cash fare or at least asked passengers to show they had proof of a period ticket or enough PAYG to cover their journey?

 

[Deerfold]

I boarded a bus this afternoon where the Oyster reader was covered up with a "NOT WORKING" message written in biro was taped to it.

The driver allowed everyone to board the bus without any checks. If a London Buses RPI checked my card and noticed I didn't touch in, despite having a 7 Day Bus & Tram Pass, would I have received a penalty fare?

Technically, should the driver have asked passengers to pay the £2.40 bus cash fare or at least asked passengers to show they had proof of a period ticket or enough PAYG to cover their journey?

No, if the reader is not working then anyone with an Oystercard should be allowed to board. Anyone with an Oystercard should have no problems if an RPI is checking tickets - though the driver may be questioned about how long the reader has been out of use.

The bus should not then go out again until the reader has been fixed. If it does and it's noticed, the bus operator will receive a financial penalty (this may be the equivalent of receiving no payment for that journey though I'm not sure about that).

 

[34D]

I boarded a bus this afternoon where the Oyster reader was covered up with a "NOT WORKING" message written in biro was taped to it.

The driver allowed everyone to board the bus without any checks. If a London Buses RPI checked my card and noticed I didn't touch in, despite having a 7 Day Bus & Tram Pass, would I have received a penalty fare?

Technically, should the driver have asked passengers to pay the £2.40 bus cash fare or at least asked passengers to show they had proof of a period ticket or enough PAYG to cover their journey?

No way, and not at all.

A bus with a non-working oyster is a daily occurrence in London. Revenue teams are familiar with it.