Platform ticket check at Clapham Junction

[CheapAndNerdy]

I was interchanging at Clapham Junction today and at the top of the steps to platforms 1&2 (London Overground) ticket checks were being carried out. I proffered my contactless card and was then invited to tap the pink Oyster reader (I presume that the gizmo held by the checkers was Oyster only).

Being only an occasional traveller on LO, I don't know if this is a regular thing or a spot check to catch those transferring from other services (on a paper ticket) and hoping to sneak out of a LO station without gates, but I can't recall it happening before.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

The pink readers tell the system which route you are taking to get from your origin to your destination. They are usually used where multiple routeing options are possible, to aid in charging the correct fare for your journey.

It may be that they will indicate if a contactless card has been 'tapped in'.

 

[Trackman]

I've seen platform ticket checks at Bank DLR as some people just go straight to the underground platforms (not gated). It does get a bit crowded though (If you don't know Bank DLR station, imagine ticket checks at the exit passages on a tube station platform). I cant think of another time I've seen platform ticket checks though.

 

[yorkie]

It may be that they will indicate if a contactless card has been 'tapped in'.

They don't give such an indication.

 

[headshot119]

The pink readers tell the system which route you are taking to get from your origin to your destination. They are usually used where multiple routeing options are possible, to aid in charging the correct fare for your journey.

It may be that they will indicate if a contactless card has been 'tapped in'.

They don't give such an indication.

I believe yorkie is correct, but as I understand it if an oyster or contactless card hasn't been touched in, tapping it on a pink reader will act as a touch in. Thus by asking people to touch them ensures they have at least paid for the journey?

 

[Mike395]

I believe yorkie is correct, but as I understand it if an oyster or contactless card hasn't been touched in, tapping it on a pink reader will act as a touch in. Thus by asking people to touch them ensures they have at least paid for the journey?

That's correct - it will also give an indication (and associated code) if the card isn't accepted for any reason, e.g. if it's on a hotlist.

 

[PermitToTravel]

Could one refuse to do this if it would result in a higher fare being charged? ;D

 

[MikeWh]

Could one refuse to do this if it would result in a higher fare being charged? ;D

Hmmm. Redhill to Fulham Broadway via West Brompton off-peak. Could be an interesting conversation. I'd certainly kick up a fuss at the time, and claim compensation afterwards, if forced.

 

[greatkingrat]

I don't think you would have any grounds for complaint as you would be charged the correct fare for that route. The fact that most of the time you can get away with paying a lower fare by ignoring the pink reader is irrelevant.

 

[John @ home]

I don't think you would have any grounds for complaint as you would be charged the correct fare for that route. The fact that most of the time you can get away with paying a lower fare by ignoring the pink reader is irrelevant.

Not in this instance. The Instruction for this journey and route is:

Avoiding Zone 1 via Clapham Junction and West Brompton: Touch pink readers if/when changing at West Brompton.

http://www.ltfares.com/#!fares?orig=NRRDH&dest=LUFBY

 

[Paul Kelly]

I don't think you would have any grounds for complaint as you would be charged the correct fare for that route. The fact that most of the time you can get away with paying a lower fare by ignoring the pink reader is irrelevant.

You could be changing at Clapham Junction in order to get to Wimbledon and approach Fulham Broadway from the other direction, rather than to go via West Brompton.