Do you touch off on buses in London?

Contactless Payment on London Buses and Trams: A Guide

London’s extensive public transportation system offers a seamless contactless payment experience for both buses and trams. This convenient method simplifies the payment process and ensures an efficient and hassle-free journey.

How to Tap On

When boarding a bus or tram, simply tap your Oyster card or contactless payment method (such as a credit or debit card) on the designated reader. The reader will emit a beep and display a confirmation message on the screen.

Avoid Tapping Off

Contrary to some common practices, it is not necessary to tap off when disembarking from a London bus or tram. The system automatically calculates your fare based on your journey’s distance and deducts the appropriate amount from your payment method.

Benefits of Avoiding Tapping Off

There are several advantages to avoiding tapping off:

• Prevent Incorrect Fares: Tapping off at incorrect stops or failing to tap off at all can result in inflated fares being charged to your account.
• Save Time: You can save valuable time by eliminating the need to tap off when exiting the vehicle.
• Convenience: The contactless payment system is designed to be as convenient as possible. Removing the need to tap off further enhances this experience.

Exceptions to Tapping Off

While tapping off is generally unnecessary, there are certain circumstances where it may be required:

• Connecting Services: If you are transferring to a different bus or tram service, you may need to tap off before boarding the connecting vehicle.
• Rail Services: If you are connecting to a National Rail service, you may need to tap off at the relevant station.

Conclusion

Using contactless payments on London buses and trams is a convenient and efficient way to pay your fare. By avoiding tapping off, you can save time, prevent incorrect fares, and enhance your overall public transportation experience.