It has been revealed in the Staff Guide to Fares and Ticketing, March 2025, that Transport for London (TfL) has discontinued the sale of the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass at Tube, DLR, Tram, and railway stations. This decision impacts people who are digitally excluded, as they will now have to buy the pass at Oyster Ticket Shops.
The text in the document Staff Guide 2 - Types of Tickets and Ways to Pay - Updated: March 2025 states:
Printed One Day Bus & Tram Pass
The printed paper One Day Bus & Tram ticket is no longer available to buy for travel on buses or for trams.
Taking a look at last year's (March 2024) Staff Guide, Types of Tickets and Ways to Pay, it states:
Printed One Day Bus & Tram Pass
Are issued from:
• Ticket machines at Tube, tram and DLR stations
• London Overground, Elizabeth line (not Iver to Reading, Shenfield) and some National Rail ticket offices
• Visitor Centres
Are only valid on the day issued. Cannot be issued in advance. They must be shown to the driver when the customer boards a bus.
However, the London Bus and Tram Pass is still listed on the National Rail website.
I then found another FOI request on the TfL website that provides more details about the withdrawal of the One Day Bus & Tram Pass.
Request ID: FOI-3935-2425
Date published: 20 March 2025
When was the decision to withdraw the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass made, and by whom?
The decision to remove the sale of the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass at Tube stations only, was made in January 2025 by the Chief Technology Officer.
How and when was this decision communicated to the public and other interested parties?
Prior to January 2025, TfL met with London TravelWatch and IDAG to share the thinking about the proposed withdrawal. Staff were informed in advance of the paper version being withdrawn at Tube stations.
Was there a public consultation held on the decision to withdraw this ticket from sale? If not, why not?
There is no requirement for a public consultation.
Please note, the One Day Bus & Tram Pass is still available at Oyster Ticket Stops and the Oyster version of the One Day Bus & Tram Pass remains available.
Was any consideration given to specific groups that might be affected by the withdrawal of the One Day Bus & Tram Pass? For example - the young, overseas tourists or disabled customers and anyone who does not have a contactless method of payment?
Yes, consideration was given to the possibility of an impact on the few customers who bought the paper version. This is mitigated by continuing availability of the Oyster version of the One Day Bus & Tram Pass.
What measures have been put in place to ensure that those without a contactless method of payment are still able to travel by bus?
As mentioned above, the One Day Bus & Tram Pass is still available at Oyster Ticket Stops but is no longer being provided at Tube stations.
The Oyster version of the One Day Bus & Tram Pass remains available to use, and customers can buy a normal Oyster card and add credit to pay as you go. Note, the bus daily cap is cheaper than the One Day Bus & Tram Pass.
How many One Day Bus & Tram Passes were sold in the twelve months from 02/03/24 to 01/03/25 (or the latest twelve-month period available)?
Unfortunately, due to ongoing accessibility restrictions as a result of the recent IT issues we have experienced, we can only provide information on the previous year.
Between 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 the total sale of paper One Day Bus & Tram Passes from Tube stations was 84,661.
In 2023, TfL came very close to withdrawing the paper One Day Travelcard, a move that would have mirrored the recent withdrawal of the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass. Additionally, TfL withdrew station platform tickets back in September 2023, further highlighting their shift towards a more digital-first approach. The potential loss of the One Day Travelcard would have had similar impacts on commuters who relied on paper tickets rather than digital payment methods. The proposal, which was met with backlash, would have left many passengers—especially those without access to Oyster cards, contactless bank cards, or concession cards—with limited alternatives for purchasing travel.
Fortunately, after considerable pushback, TfL reversed its decision to withdraw the One Day Travelcard, acknowledging that many commuters, particularly those without regular access to digital payment systems, still depended on this simple, physical option. Had the One Day Travelcard been discontinued, the removal of the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass could have had an even more pronounced effect, further reducing the options for those who don't use contactless payment methods.The removal of the One Day Travelcard will affect:
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) July 24, 2023
The disabled (including Railcard holders & companions)
Low incomes
People without bank accounts
People who had their cards stolen and had to wait for replacements
Infrequent visitors (including overseas)https://t.co/GPKcQRcn3p pic.twitter.com/WCahN4NjXE
Impact on Commuters Without Contactless Payment Methods
The decision to phase out paper One Day Travelcards in 2023 highlights a broader trend towards contactless payments and digital ticketing, which could leave passengers without alternative payment options at a significant disadvantage. Many commuters, particularly those who are infrequent users of public transport or overseas visitors, struggle with navigating TfL’s digital-only system, which relies heavily on Oyster cards, contactless payment cards, or smartphones with payment apps.
The removal of the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass disproportionately impacts those who may have had their cards lost or stolen and now have to wait for replacement cards to arrive in the post. This issue isn't just limited to physical cards like Oyster or concession cards, but also applies to smartphones with contactless payment apps. If your phone is damaged, stolen, or out of service, you are left without a way to pay for travel, forcing passengers to either scramble for a replacement or find alternative ways to pay.
Additionally, Oyster cards are not free; a new Oyster card costs £7 without a deposit, which could be a financial burden, particularly for infrequent users or those who need to replace a lost card unexpectedly. Relying on cash payments isn't always a viable option, as TfL's network is designed to encourage digital or contactless methods. The absence of a paper option means that passengers without access to these digital payment tools may be left without a way to travel or be forced to rely on more expensive alternatives, such as taxis or other forms of transport.
Impact on Infrequent and Overseas Visitors
The shift towards a contactless-only system also poses challenges for infrequent visitors, including overseas tourists. Not all payment processors, such as JCB or UnionPay, are compatible with TfL's contactless payment system. This leaves a portion of international travelers unable to pay using their usual bank cards, particularly those visiting the UK from countries where these payment methods are standard. As a result, these visitors may find themselves with limited access to the London transport network, relying on more expensive or less convenient alternatives.
The Broader UK Context: Bus Services Outside London
In the broader context of UK transport, many bus services, including the franchised Bee Network buses in Greater Manchester, continue to offer day passes on paper. These bus services still provide physical tickets as an option for passengers, demonstrating a recognition of the need for flexibility when it comes to ticketing methods. Paper tickets are still an accessible and widely used option across the country, and the decision by TfL to phase them out contrasts with this broader trend. It serves as a reminder that many passengers, particularly those who don't use digital or contactless methods, still rely on paper tickets as a simple and reliable means of travel.
A Possible Solution: QR Code Ticketing
Given the recurring issues with paper ticket withdrawal—both with the One Day Travelcard in 2023 and now with the One Day Bus & Tram Pass—a possible solution to ease the transition and increase accessibility would be for TfL to adopt QR code ticketing. This system has already been implemented successfully by National Rail and various other transport services across the UK, offering a flexible and easily accessible alternative for passengers who might not be familiar with, or have access to, digital payment systems.
QR code ticketing on paper would allow passengers to purchase tickets online, receive a QR code, and use it for travel. This could offer an additional, accessible layer of ticketing for tourists, infrequent users, and those without the required digital payment tools. Printed QR code ticketing is already widely used in many sectors, with businesses and stores printing receipts for purchases of products, services, or even cinema tickets. This system is familiar to most people and offers the simplicity and flexibility of a physical printout, while still retaining the convenience of a digital booking.
By adopting QR codes, TfL could offer a solution that ensures accessibility for all passengers, even those who may not be familiar with or have access to contactless payment methods. Just as businesses print receipts for purchases, passengers could have the option to print a simple QR code ticket, allowing them to travel without needing an Oyster card or smartphone. This approach would cater to a wider range of passengers, from tourists to locals who prefer a simple, no-fuss way to travel, ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to access the public transport network without relying solely on digital payment systems.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass follows a pattern similar to TfL's 2023 decision to nearly withdraw the paper One Day Travelcard, which included a consultation process. This underscores the ongoing challenges of transitioning to a fully digital transport system. For many commuters, including overseas visitors and those without contactless payment options, paper tickets provide a vital and straightforward method of travel. TfL must retain alternative methods of paying for travel instead of relying solely on PAYG Oyster cards and Contactless payments. Many passengers, including those without access to smartphones, bank cards, or contactless payment methods, would be left at a disadvantage without these alternatives. To mitigate the impact of this shift, TfL should consider embracing QR code ticketing—a solution already implemented by National Rail and other UK transport providers. By offering QR code tickets, TfL could provide a simple solution for passengers who prefer or need a paperless, yet easily accessible, option without relying on complex contactless systems.
If you have any concerns about TfL’s decision to quietly withdraw the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass without a consultation, you can write to your local elected representative, such as your Member of Parliament (MP), London Assembly Member, or Councillor. https://www.writetothem.com/
I would like to extend an invite for you to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) for transport-related updates. You can find me by searching for @CLondoner92 or by clicking on the direct link to my X page here. I am also present on BlueSky and Mastodon. I look forward to connecting with you on these platforms. Thank you for your support.
Further reading
I Believe TfL Should Reform The Travelcard Agreement To Offer Smart Flexible Ticketing Options
