What happens if you forget to tap out the London bus?

Consequences of Forgetting to Tap Out on London Buses

London’s transportation system heavily relies on Oyster cards and contactless payments for convenient travel. While tapping in is a common practice, forgetting to tap out can lead to unexpected consequences.

Incomplete Journey Record

When you board a London bus without tapping out, the system registers an incomplete journey. This occurs because the system requires both a tap-in and a tap-out to accurately record your travel.

Highest Possible Fare Charge

When an incomplete journey is recorded, the system cannot determine the actual distance you traveled or the correct fare. As a result, you will automatically be charged the highest possible fare for the given bus route. This fare is typically significantly higher than the actual cost of your journey, potentially resulting in overpaying.

Avoid Excess Charges

To prevent these excessive charges, it is crucial to remember to tap out when exiting a London bus. This ensures that the system accurately calculates your fare and charges you the correct amount.

Importance of Accuracy

Tapping in and out on London buses is not only a matter of following regulations but also a way to ensure accurate billing. By completing the journey record, you prevent overcharges and contribute to a fair and efficient transportation system.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to tap out may not only result in excessive charges but could also lead to penalties or fines in certain cases.

Conclusion

Forgetting to tap out on London buses can have significant financial consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to tap in and out every time you use the service. This simple habit will help you avoid overpaying and contribute to the smooth functioning of the transportation system.