What happens when you forget to tag off?

Don’t Forget to Tap Off! Avoiding Automatic Charges on Your Travel Card

Ever boarded a bus or train, lost track of time, and completely forgotten to tap off at your destination? We’ve all been there. But that seemingly harmless oversight can lead to a hefty surprise on your next trip.

Here’s the deal: most travel cards with contactless payment features are designed to automatically deduct a higher fare if you don’t tap off at the end of your journey. This “default charge” acts as a safety net, ensuring you’re covered even if you forget to tap off. However, it can also result in an unexpected and potentially expensive fee.

Here’s why this happens:

• Automatic Fare Calculation: The system calculates your journey based on your initial tap-on and assumes you haven’t exited the system until you tap off.
• Maximum Fare: In most cases, the default charge is the maximum fare for the entire route you’re traveling on. This means you could be charged for a longer journey than the one you actually took.

How to avoid this unexpected charge:

• Tap off at every stop: It may seem obvious, but always remember to tap off when you reach your destination, even if you’re simply transferring to another mode of transport.
• Check your balance regularly: Regularly checking your balance can help you identify any potentially incorrect charges.
• Contact your travel provider: If you believe you’ve been charged incorrectly, contact your travel provider immediately. They may be able to adjust your fare or provide a refund.

Staying on top of your travel costs:

While the default charge system aims to be fair and ensure everyone pays for their journeys, it’s still crucial to be mindful of your tap offs. By making a conscious effort to tap off at each destination, you can avoid any surprise charges and keep your travel costs under control.

So, remember, tap off at every stop and travel with peace of mind!