Passengers treated just like peasants...

[jon0844]

I still think a lot of people don't fully understand contactless cards. They may not know where to touch on the reader, or have read one of the horror stories about cards being charged in their wallet when they're on a beach miles from anywhere*.

* I'm guessing that's how the Daily Mail would have reported it.

I've used them since they first came out, working in the City of London which was a trial area. I was indeed one of the only people that used them for a long time, having staff going 'ooh, let me see' when paying.. but that's not the case now as it's so damn quick and easy.

But nationally, it will take some time I'm sure. I do think bus operators should be seeking to accept them as soon as possible, perhaps ahead of any smartcard plans they might have.

 

[Deerfold]

But nationally, it will take some time I'm sure. I do think bus operators should be seeking to accept them as soon as possible, perhaps ahead of any smartcard plans they might have.

Perhaps - but anyone can get a smartcard easily. There's still several banks not issuing contactless cards.

 

[jon0844]

I didn't realise they weren't being issued as standard for just about everyone these days.

Herts County Council hasn't yet introduced a smartcard system for buses around here, so they certainly aren't easy to get. I'm still waiting, as it's a right pain having to make sure I've got some coins to pay for the bus to the station - given the fact I so rarely use cash these days.

 

[Mojo]

Aren't the Underground's TVMs all accessed from behind? Some fairly extensive rebuilding would be needed to do this at all stations.

The TVMs on the Underground are all accessed from the front; these were inherited from Silverlink and are only at those stations which transferred (ie. Queens Park - Harrow/Wealdstone, and Kew Gardens & Gunnersbury) so are of a standard National Rail design. The Poms (Passenger Operated Machines) at other stations are accessed from the rear, with the exception of the smaller QueueBuster machines, which are card only. Access is either through the ticket office or there is a separate Pom lobby. Heathrow Express machines are also accessed from the rear.

 

[Deerfold]

I didn't realise they weren't being issued as standard for just about everyone these days.

Herts County Council hasn't yet introduced a smartcard system for buses around here, so they certainly aren't easy to get. I'm still waiting, as it's a right pain having to make sure I've got some coins to pay for the bus to the station - given the fact I so rarely use cash these days.

They may not be easy to get and use in any particular area, but if you're somewhere that uses smartcards they're usually fairly easy to get (not including in Denmark).

My bank and primary credit card (both issued last year) do not yet work in this way though I have had a card which does for several years.