Tapping in and out

[Farang]

I recently made a journey which involved a change of trains at Clapham Junction. The first leg started within the TFL area so I used my 60+ Oyster. The second ended outside the TFL area so I used a ticket. As I forgot to tap out at Clapham Junction there was an incomplete journey on my record, and another when I returned.

On calling the Oyster Help Line to confess my sins, I was relieved when the call handler said it didn't matter and no action was needed.

How important is it to tap in and out with a 60+ Oyster? Not at all, it would seem from this case.

 

[MikeWh]

It's not important at all. The 60+ Oyster is an off-peak travelcard essentially. You can't add money to it so it's only valid within the specific area it covers. You can combine it with boundary zone 6 tickets, or any other point to point tickets as long as there's no gap. Just make sure that you always keep to the time and operator restrictions.

For example, between Harrow and Wealdstone and Watford Junction it is only valid on Lioness line trains, not London Northwestern ones. On TfL services it can be used after 9am, but other National Rail services is after 9.30am.

 

[Tester]

I recently made a journey which involved a change of trains at Clapham Junction. The first leg started within the TFL area so I used my 60+ Oyster. The second ended outside the TFL area so I used a ticket. As I forgot to tap out at Clapham Junction there was an incomplete journey on my record, and another when I returned.

On calling the Oyster Help Line to confess my sins, I was relieved when the call handler said it didn't matter and no action was needed.

How important is it to tap in and out with a 60+ Oyster? Not at all, it would seem from this case.

Not only do you not have to tap on and off (other than to open barriers as necessary), but you can also take advantage of the 60+ Oyster validity area even if travelling beyond it.

For example, if you are going to Brighton you only need a ticket from the area boundary, not from Clapham Junction.

You can buy the appropriate ticket from booking offices (mention that you have a 60+ Oyster), or the Forum ticketing site can sell it (just select in Advanced Options).

Happy travelling!

 

[talldave]

My regular commute involves scanning in with a Forum sourced e-ticket and scanning out with 60+ Oyster. It all works perfectly fine.

The only time it was vaguely an issue was when my 60+ Oyster was scanned for a ticket inspection and they noticed I hadn't tapped in; I showed my e-ticket, then my Senior Railcard and all was good!

 

[Farang]

My thanks to everyone who responded.