Ticket Barrier Error Codes App

[MrJeeves]

Well, I'm not too sure about the rules to do with self-promotion here, but here goes...

I've made a simple app that converts a ticket barrier error code (the number next to Seek assistance if there's an issue) to a description, explanation, and the action to be taken (if applicable).

It contains both TfL and National Rail (100+) codes, retrieved from FOI requests. The codes also match with those found on standalone smartcard readers (e.g. at GTR served stations without ticket barriers, like Wivelsfield).

It's only for Android, because Apple wanting $100 every year is a ripoff.

You can download it here, if you're interested: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dev.davwheat.railway.gateline_errors

 

[furlong]

How about adding some more background information about each code beyond the official wording, that explains common situations that lead to the codes? Explanations for the layman, if you like. That could also explain things like 105 on the gates of certain operators that don't recognise super off-peak. Or when someone inserts their reservation coupon instead of their ticket coupon or inserts a ticket upside down. Maybe add a form submission so you can crowd-source suggestions like that from within the app - asking people to fill in the form with details if they think a gate gave a code on a ticket that should have been accepted and isn't yet covered by these new explanations so you can improve them.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Aug 2020 ==

Another one is on Oyster, a common reason for 36 is a previous incomplete journey that applied a maximum charge - it should suggest that if you weren't expecting the balance to be so low, to check the journey history and how to get it corrected if need be.

 

[David Goddard]

Is there a simple pdf version for those of us without smartphones, so we can just look it up on the laptop, or print a copy out?

 

[Alex27]

Would it be possible to see the original FOI or a list of the codes?

 

[MrJeeves]

Is there a simple pdf version for those of us without smartphones, so we can just look it up on the laptop, or print a copy out?

Would it be possible to see the original FOI or a list of the codes?

Yep! There's a PDF list on a previous FOI request in 2018, but I have submitted a new FOI in case any updates have been made.

Ticket barrier error codes. - a Freedom of Information request to Transport for London

Could you please provide me with a list of error codes (including the meaning for each code) for the ticket barriers at all of the railway stations (National Rail / TFL Rail / London Overground / London Underground / Docklands Light Railway / Croydon Tram / Cable Car) that you manage. Yours...

www.whatdotheyknow.com

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Aug 2020 ==

How about adding some more background information about each code beyond the official wording, that explains common situations that lead to the codes? Explanations for the layman, if you like. That could also explain things like 105 on the gates of certain operators that don't recognise super off-peak. Or when someone inserts their reservation coupon instead of their ticket coupon or inserts a ticket upside down. Maybe add a form submission so you can crowd-source suggestions like that from within the app - asking people to fill in the form with details if they think a gate gave a code on a ticket that should have been accepted and isn't yet covered by these new explanations so you can improve them.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Aug 2020 ==

Another one is on Oyster, a common reason for 36 is a previous incomplete journey that applied a maximum charge - it should suggest that if you weren't expecting the balance to be so low, to check the journey history and how to get it corrected if need be.

That's a great idea! I'll get on that now.

I have uploaded another update with some codes I was missing in the 100s, but Google Play hasn't published this yet.

 

[David Goddard]

That's perfect, thank you

 

[K.o.R]

Yep! There's a PDF list on a previous FOI request in 2018, but I have submitted a new FOI in case any updates have been made.

Ticket barrier error codes. - a Freedom of Information request to Transport for London

Could you please provide me with a list of error codes (including the meaning for each code) for the ticket barriers at all of the railway stations (National Rail / TFL Rail / London Overground / London Underground / Docklands Light Railway / Croydon Tram / Cable Car) that you manage. Yours...

www.whatdotheyknow.com

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Aug 2020 ==



That's a great idea! I'll get on that now.

I have uploaded another update with some codes I was missing in the 100s, but Google Play hasn't published this yet.

Handy little thing. Some of the explanations or actions aren't quite correct, specifically "Represent card" doesn't mean the same as "Re-present card", but would be better worded as "Present card again" in any case. There's also a couple of "ticker" where "ticket" was intended.

 

[MrJeeves]

Handy little thing. Some of the explanations or actions aren't quite correct, specifically "Represent card" doesn't mean the same as "Re-present card", but would be better worded as "Present card again" in any case. There's also a couple of "ticker" where "ticket" was intended.

It's definitely not perfect, but it's good enough!

 

[py_megapixel]

For those of you with an iPhone, Geoff Marshall has an app which does a similar job, albeit for £0.99 (probably because of the utterly daft restrictions and the $99/yr charge that @MrJeeves mentioned)

‎Oyster Errors • London

‎Ever had your Oyster or Contactless Payment Card rejected in London? Never be mystified by a ticket barrier error code again! Revealing the secret error codes at ticket barrier gates on the London Underground (Tube), Overground, DLR and National Rail. Just user the picker or type in the...

apps.apple.com

 

[MrJeeves]

For those of you with an iPhone, Geoff Marshall has an app which does a similar job, albeit for £0.99 (probably because of the utterly daft restrictions and the $99/yr charge that @MrJeeves mentioned)

‎Oyster Errors • London

‎Ever had your Oyster or Contactless Payment Card rejected in London? Never be mystified by a ticket barrier error code again! Revealing the secret error codes at ticket barrier gates on the London Underground (Tube), Overground, DLR and National Rail. Just user the picker or type in the...

apps.apple.com

This is what inspired me to make the app as there wasn't a replacement for Android.

 

[MrJeeves]

I've released an update to this app to add some previously missing info (e.g. for 135 Special Rules) that I didn't know about 5 years ago (time flies...) and so that Google doesn't delete my whole developer account.

Should pop up in the Play Store in a few hours.