Oyster top up expansion makes journeys easier for rail users
South West Train travellers will be able to top up their Oyster cards at all stations operated by that company in London travelcard area.
Passengers using South West Trains are set to enjoy more convenient journeys in future when they can top up their Oyster cards to travel on trains across London, Transport Minister Theresa Villiers announced today.
Thanks to an agreement between the government and South West Trains passengers will be able to top up their Oyster cards at all stations operated by South West Trains in the London Travel card area from May 2011.
Transport Minister Theresa Villiers said:
Today I am delighted to announce that all ticket machines for South West Trains in the London area network will be fitted with equipment to sell Oyster top ups, making it easier for passengers to pay.
This is great news for all passengers travelling on the capital’s rail network, especially thousands of commuters who use South West Trains before transferring to the London Underground.
Andy Pitt, Managing Director for South West Trains, added:
Since the launch of Oyster travel on our services earlier this year, we have been committed to finding a solution to make it possible for passengers to also top up their Oyster cards at our stations. We are pleased to have agreed a deal with the Department for Transport that will enable Oyster products to be retailed through our ticket vending machines.
This significant improvement will provide us with an opportunity to offer even more choice for our passengers, and will build on the Smartcard investment we’ve made elsewhere on the South West Trains’ network.
The new equipment will be fitted to South West Trains’ ticket vending machines using existing investment that South West Trains is committed to spending to upgrade stations on its network under its franchise agreement.
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