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- Thread starter Chris999999
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It's gone very quiet on the new system given it was meant to have happened earlier this year or even last? Anyone know when it is meant to happen now?
If it had happened, we could have had Oyster roll out on more trains into London by now. Problem solved for many.
If it had happened, we could have had Oyster roll out on more trains into London by now. Problem solved for many.
I always thought it was more an "Oyster is good, what would make it better?" response.
I'm told that the 'clash' is not technical, but is political. TfL won't allow readers in the zones to be used for loading TOCs' ITSO seasons, presumably as it'll entice people away from Oyster and Travelcards.
Before Oyster was transferred to the new backend system, it had technical limitations (e.g. it was very limited in the number of zones it could have). TfL also paid a high commission to the inventors of the technology (I'm not sure if they still do with the backend-based system that was developed in-house?). As such, I can see why it was deemed unsuitable for national roll-out.
Before Oyster was transferred to the new backend system, it had technical limitations (e.g. it was very limited in the number of zones it could have). TfL also paid a high commission to the inventors of the technology (I'm not sure if they still do with the backend-based system that was developed in-house?). As such, I can see why it was deemed unsuitable for national roll-out.
I had hoped it had happened already, but perhaps that was a naive assumption on my part
From what I understand. You have an online account and can load money directly into it.
The system is very confusing. Even the internal documentation has been very poor.
Contactless uses the back-end system, but Oyster cards still operate the card-centric system. Back end Oyster has to have happened before Crossrail to Reading or there will be serious embarrasment.
Will people need new Oyster cards?
I didn't realise until recently that there were older cards that limit functions that can be done on the ticket machines (by staff) so I wonder if newer cards are ready, or if everyone will need a new card - which in itself would be a bit of a logistical nightmare.
I didn't realise until recently that there were older cards that limit functions that can be done on the ticket machines (by staff) so I wonder if newer cards are ready, or if everyone will need a new card - which in itself would be a bit of a logistical nightmare.
Currently issued Oyster cards will still be ok. I guess that a switch will be set when it's first used under the back-office system to transfer the balance to the central system and stop updating it on the card. There may be an issue with some really old cards but I don't know specifics. Given that the Oyster card will require much less capability when it is basically a dummy CPC it may be that they will all be ok.
Cheers. The old card I have will be history soon anyway, once I manage to find the time to visit the visitors centre at KGX (the only people who can apparently do a refund on such old cards). I don't use it anyway, and simply want the balance and deposit refunded as I have no need for two cards (my wife was using it, but now uses her debit card).
mattdickinson
Member
Mifare Classic cards won't be compatible.
Mifare Desfire cards (with an inverse D on the back) will be.
These are my two cards: https://goo.gl/photos/G2R3pP5efLaQgujY6
[image shows two cards, the second with the inverse D]
What's the main difference between the two?
[image shows two cards, the second with the inverse D]
What's the main difference between the two?
mattdickinson
Member
The security on Classic has been hacked. As far as I know Desfire is still secure.
Thanks for that. Do they still allow classic cards to be used? I thought they'd disabled them so you had to swap to a new card.
Alteran Ancient
Member
Given we live in the 21st Century, I can't say I'm surprised the reasons are probably political. IMO, political barriers are worse than technological ones.
Time to start another pressure group, anyone?
I have just had a look at mine which is a Classic (lacking the inverse D) issued 30-DMR-07 and has been working fine ever since.
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