What happens if you tap out without tapping in?

The Perils of the Untapped Journey: Why Tapping In Matters on Public Transport

We’ve all been there. Rushing onto a crowded train, scrambling for a seat, a last-minute dash before the doors close. In the chaos, it’s easy to forget that all-important tap-in with your travel card. But forgetting that initial tap can lead to a surprisingly costly mistake.

Think of public transport systems like a sophisticated, geographically aware accountant. They track your journey using the tap-in and tap-out points to calculate the precise fare for the distance you’ve traveled. When you tap in, you’re essentially telling the system: “Hey, I’m starting my journey here!” Tapping out then provides the vital closing information: “And I’m ending it here!”

But what happens if you only perform half the equation? What if you tap out at your destination, but forget to tap in at the beginning?

The answer is simple, but potentially painful: you risk being charged the maximum possible fare for the entire transit network.

Why? Because without a starting point, the system has no way of knowing how far you’ve actually travelled. It can’t accurately calculate your fare based on distance. To safeguard against potential fare evasion (people trying to get away with travelling for free or a reduced rate), the system defaults to the worst-case scenario. It assumes you started at the furthest possible point on the network and traveled all the way to your destination.

This means you could be paying for a journey across the entire city or even the entire region, even if you only traveled a few stops. Imagine paying for a trip from the airport when you only hopped on the train two stations away!

This system isn’t designed to be malicious; it’s a necessary mechanism to ensure fairness and prevent fare evasion. However, the onus is on the passenger to ensure their travel card is correctly used.

So, what can you do to avoid the “untapped journey” trap?

• Make it a habit: Develop a routine of tapping in as soon as you board or enter the station.
• Double-check: Before getting comfortable, glance at the reader to confirm your tap-in was successful.
• Utilize reminders: Set a recurring alarm on your phone or smartwatch, especially during your regular commutes.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Crowded platforms can be distracting. Make a conscious effort to tap in regardless.
• Consider a digital wallet: If your system supports it, adding your travel card to your phone can make tapping in more seamless.

Ultimately, the small act of tapping in can save you from a surprisingly hefty bill. By being mindful and adopting these simple strategies, you can ensure you’re only paying for the distance you actually travel, avoiding the unpleasant surprise of an “untapped journey.” So, the next time you hop on public transport, remember: tap in, tap out, and travel smart!