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| Excerpt from Staff Guide 2, Types of Tickets and Ways to Pay, March 2025 |
Transport for London (TfL) still provides paper tickets for Tube and rail journeys. However, earlier this year (2025), they withdrew the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass from Tube and railway stations, unexpectedly and without consultation, although the Oyster version of the One Day Bus & Tram Pass continues to be available at Oyster ticket stops. As a follow-up, this is in response to my previous article reviewing TfL’s Technology Roadmap 2025, which outlines a long-term plan to phase out magnetic paper tickets.
The Withdrawal of Platform Tickets Across the Transport for London Network
Firstly, back in September 2023, TfL has surprisingly withdrawn the platform tickets from sale, except for Southwark Station, where passengers can walk through the passageway to Waterloo East railway station. This operational change, which took effect on Sunday, 3 September 2023, also extended to ticket offices across the London Overground and the Elizabeth line to ensure consistency across the network [FOI-2012-2324].
The strategic rationale for this decision was founded in TfL's broader objective to reduce the sale and acceptance of paper tickets, which it noted utilised a technology dating back to the 1980s. The organisation sought to decrease mechanical wear and tear on ticket machines, minimise maintenance call-outs, and reduce cash handling [FOI-2461-2324]. Internal data demonstrated a significant decline in demand for the product; total platform tickets sold across all TfL stations dropped from 1,632 in the financial year 2021/22 to 1,463 in 2022/23 [MQT on 12 October 2023, Reference: 2023/3723]. This declining usage—an average of four tickets per day across the network in 2022—suggested the tickets had largely fallen out of use with the expansion of digital fare collection [MQT on 12 October 2023, Reference: 2023/3722].
Prior to the change, TfL completed a Customer Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) to assess the potential effects on protected characteristic groups. The assessment concluded that the withdrawal would likely result in a positive or neutral impact. The reasoning was that the platform ticket did not operate ticket gates, meaning customers already required staff assistance to enter the paid area; the removal of the ticket simply eliminated the associated fee [MQT on 16 November 2023, Reference: 2023/4187]. TfL confirmed that staff were briefed to continue allowing access to customer toilets inside the gateline upon request, upholding accessibility for those with medical conditions or disabilities. Staff were also instructed that they could still allow discretionary access to platforms for individuals, such as those assisting with luggage or rail enthusiasts.
In terms of governance, TfL asserted that the removal was an operational decision and did not require a Mayoral Decision, as the platform ticket was not classified as a fare. Furthermore, TfL did not seek specific legal advice regarding whether the withdrawal conflicted with statutory legislation, such as the Greater London Authority Act 1999 or penalty fares regulations. Stakeholders, including London TravelWatch, were informed of the intention to withdraw the ticket and raised no objections. While the Independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG) generally welcomed the move away from magnetic tickets due to associated accessibility issues with ticket machines, meeting minutes from July 2022 revealed that the group had raised concerns regarding the cumulative impact of the wider shift to digital ticketing on low-income groups, those without bank accounts, and people with 'No Recourse to Public Funds'. TfL confirmed that established assistance programmes, such as "Turn up and go," remained in place to support customers requiring help to board trains.
Opposition to Withdrawing the One Day Travelcard
In 2023, the proposed withdrawal of the One Day Travelcards on the TfL network has been met with significant opposition, according to Appendix B of the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) document for the Mayoral Decision (MD3142). The document summarises feedback from key stakeholders, revealing strong sentiment against the move, with a mere four per cent of respondents offering support. The overwhelming majority of concerns centre on cost, inconvenience, and the impact on vulnerable groups.
The most frequently cited issue is that the change will make travel significantly more expensive for travellers from outer London (70%), closely followed by the fear that it will make the capital a less attractive place to visit (61%). Cost concerns extend acutely to young people and families (52%). Furthermore, a majority of respondents (52%) highlighted a lack of confidence in the alternative payment systems, expressing concern about the Oyster and contactless capping system, the risk of overcharging, and delays in obtaining refunds.
Practical implementation issues were also flagged repeatedly. A substantial 33% of respondents worried that Railcards cannot currently be loaded onto credit or debit cards for contactless payment, rendering existing discounts unusable. Widespread wariness towards using Oyster or contactless (26%) was noted, partly due to the Mayoral Decision excluding those who do not possess a bank account or are part of the digitally excluded minority. The practical difficulty of using physical tickets to claim expenses for work or study, rather than contactless payments, was also a considerable issue (37%).
Stakeholders asserted that travel would become less seamless and considerably more expensive for visitors entering London from outside the TfL boundary, particularly those currently benefiting from existing National Rail ticket add-ons and Family or Group Day Travelcards. Many travellers, especially older individuals, are reluctant to use debit cards for security reasons, yet customers from outside the capital cannot easily purchase an Oyster card at their origin station, creating a queueing burden upon arrival. The Oyster PAYG system itself was deemed unreliable and less convenient than paper Day Travelcards, introducing an increased risk of fraud and complex procedures for reclaiming charging errors. There are serious concerns that the move will discourage visitors, negatively affecting London's wider economy, and some responses suggested the resulting loss of income could surpass any savings or revenue gains TfL anticipates. The Mayoral Decision was also judged to be incompatible with the Mayor's transport strategy of encouraging public transport use.
The analysis found the proposal presents specific, adverse impacts on several user groups. For children and families, the withdrawal of the Family Day Travelcard will inevitably raise costs. Occasional child travellers aged 11-16 would face a complex, lengthy, and costly process to obtain a pre-ordered Oyster Zip card, or otherwise must pay adult fares as the current TfL technology cannot distinguish a child's bank card. Debit cards are also impractical for a family, as they cannot be used to pay for more than one adult, or for fare-paying children. For older people, the new process is viewed as confusing and daunting, requiring them to obtain and register an Oyster card to access Senior Railcard discounts.
The disabled community raised critical concerns: using Oyster/contactless increases the risk of being charged a maximum fare for exceeding journey times, as they often require breaks or assistance. Many disabled people also find the act of tapping in and out stressful or physically difficult, especially at stations where readers are not clearly visible or are not integrated into gated barriers. The fact that companions of Disabled Persons Railcard holders stand to lose their discounted fare was identified as a significant barrier to travel for the disabled person. Finally, those on low incomes and the digitally excluded are disproportionately affected, as the cost of obtaining an Oyster card and the reliance on smart technology pose significant hurdles.
In light of these issues, stakeholders recommended that Contactless systems must be updated to accommodate Railcards and discounts directly, and that all 'touch-points' must be fully functional before implementation. Full, impartial advice must also be provided to all passengers regarding the new arrangements and the most economical way to pay. Furthermore, concerns were raised that the removal of the Day Travelcard would strip away a crucial lifeline for people whose bank cards have been stolen, leaving them temporarily without a simple method of payment for public transport.
The controversy also highlighted a significant potential impact on transport enthusiasts who rely on the Day Travelcard for their activities. I believe transport enthusiasts are the biggest promoters of public transport, and these individuals, who may spend their day travelling across the Travelcard zones in Greater London all day and remaining at stations to take photographs or video of trains, would be forced onto the Oyster or Contactless Pay As You Go (PAYG) system. This is problematic because the PAYG system operates strict maximum journey times to prevent fare evasion. By staying at a station for an extended period or riding around the zones all day, enthusiasts would inevitably exceed these maximum times, resulting in a maximum fare being applied. Crucially, if they were subsequently caught by revenue protection inspectors without a valid fare, they could also face a fine. The process for correcting these errors is limited, as TfL's policy states that maximum fares can only be refunded three times per calendar month, a restriction that could easily be exceeded by active transport enthusiasts.
The controversies surrounding the Mayoral Decision to withdraw the Day Travelcard were directly raised to the Mayor of London by Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon in September 2023. Specifically, she questioned how Londoners who had been victims of crime, such as having their wallets or smartphones stolen, could continue to use TfL services, including cash-free buses, while waiting for replacement bank cards or Oyster Cards [MQT on 14 September 2023, Reference: 2023/3457]. Similarly, she asked how passengers using concessionary cards like the Freedom Pass or Zip Cards would travel while awaiting replacements [MQT on 14 September 2023, Reference: 2023/3458]. In his responses, the Mayor asserted that the withdrawal of the Day Travelcard would have no impact. He stated that customers could still purchase paper single tickets using both cash or bank cards at ticket machines, and for concessionary card holders awaiting replacements, they could use contactless payment methods, obtain an Oyster card to pay as you go, or buy a paper single ticket.
Following intense scrutiny and negotiation between TfL and the Rail Delivery Group, the Day Travelcard was ultimately saved from withdrawal in late 2023.
Impacts of the Withdrawal of the Paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass
As a necessary recap from my previous article in October 2025, the details surrounding TfL's decision to withdraw the magnetic paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass from stations have since revealed a significant impact on vulnerable travellers and victims of crime.
The withdrawal of the paper One Day Bus & Tram Pass from all TfL and National Rail station ticket machines was formally decided in January 2025 by the Chief Technology Officer [FOI-3935-2425]. This move was part of TfL's broader programme to simplify its ticketing system, reduce fraud, and phase out magnetic paper tickets, as outlined in the Phasing Out Paper Tickets – Next Steps One Day Bus & Tram Pass Options Note. The change was effectively implemented around 2 March 2025. TfL noted the low usage, confirming that just 84,661 paper passes were sold from Tube stations between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024. The organisation’s primary justification was that the paper ticket's withdrawal was mitigated by ensuring the Oyster version of the Pass remained available at Oyster Ticket Stops—local newsagents and convenience stores. Furthermore, TfL highlighted that the bus daily pay-as-you-go (PAYG) cap of £5.25 is cheaper than the pass's price of £6.00, thus providing a more economical payment option.
TfL did not hold a general public consultation on the withdrawal, stating there was no requirement to consult on every change to fares and tickets [MQT on 22 May 2025, Reference: 2025/1785]. However, the thinking was shared with London's key passenger organisations. Specifically, TfL met with London TravelWatch (LTW) and the Independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG), with the revised plan to retain the Oyster version raised as 'Any Other Business' (AOB) with IDAG on 6 January 2025 [FOI-0170-2526]. An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) was completed, which concluded that the continuing availability of the Oyster version of the Pass mitigated the adverse impact of withdrawing the paper ticket, particularly for those without a contactless payment method.
Despite TfL's mitigations, feedback from the public, gathered between March and August 2025 via Freedom of Information requests [FOI-1718-2526, FOI-1902-2526], revealed significant hardship for a specific vulnerable group: victims of crime and individuals facing financial difficulty. Customer complaints stressed that individuals who had their wallets, purses, or smartphones stolen were left temporarily without access to both contactless bank cards and Oyster/concession passes. For those on a tight budget, the £7 cost of a new, non-refundable Oyster card presented a financial burden they could not afford. Furthermore, critics argued that relying exclusively on digital payments excludes the elderly, disabled, and those who avoid these methods for security reasons, underscoring the necessity of maintaining non-digital paper tickets as a socially necessary backup option. The Mayor's response to a query raised by Caroline Russell reiterated that TfL has processes to support vulnerable people and that staff are available at all stations.
End of the Line for Paper Tickets in New York and Paris
Two of the world’s largest transit systems, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York and the RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) in Paris, are concluding their long-running use of paper-based magnetic ticketing, embracing a comprehensive shift to digital, contactless systems. The New York MTA plans to end the sale and refilling of the paper magnetic MetroCard after 31 December 2025, although the cards will be accepted for travel for a short period in 2026. This move finalises the adoption of the OMNY (One Metro New York) system, which allows riders to tap their own contactless bank cards, mobile devices, or an OMNY card at the turnstile. This transition is aimed at modernising infrastructure, reducing the maintenance costs associated with magnetic stripe technology, and streamlining the customer experience.
Similarly, in Paris, RATP has completed the phase-out of the traditional cardboard tickets, including the single-ride t+ and Origine-Destination tickets. As of 5 November 2025, paper tickets are permanently withdrawn from sale across the entire RATP network (metro, RER, tram, and bus). This decision, which follows the earlier retirement of the popular ten-ticket 'carnets,' is part of a broader push to reduce environmental waste—estimated to be over 500 million tickets annually—and to improve convenience by eliminating the common problem of demagnetised tickets. Passengers are now directed towards digital alternatives such as the reloadable Navigo Easy pass or mobile ticketing via the official RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités applications. In both global cities, the paper ticket, a familiar piece of urban life for decades, is being superseded by durable, contactless technology that simplifies fare payment and cuts down on queueing time.
Recommendations for TfL
TfL should retain a paper-based option by moving to QR-coded tickets (digital and paper), as other UK transport systems have successfully introduced.
Alongside this, a paper receipt should be provided when purchasing a product or service at a business, similar to the order numbers printed on receipts when using self-service kiosks at takeaways such as McDonald’s (when the system is functioning properly). This is particularly important because the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires proof of purchase for consumers to exercise their statutory rights to a remedy (such as a refund or repair), and VAT-registered businesses are legally obliged to issue this proof, including a VAT invoice upon request, in accordance with Regulation 13 of the VAT Regulations 1995.
It is vital for TfL and all transport authorities to maintain a contingency for commuters, ensuring accessibility for all passengers, including those who may not have access to or prefer not to use contactless payment methods.
In December 2022, I also suggested that TfL reform the Travelcard agreement to broaden its coverage to include additional services in the Home Counties. This need has only grown more pressing with the ongoing expansion of Contactless Pay-As-You-Go to hundreds of railway stations across the South East of England, including London Stansted and Southend Airports.
Paper tickets should remain as an alternative option because not all contactless cards, particularly those issued outside the UK, are accepted on TfL services, which may prevent some customers from using contactless payment. Paper tickets also provide a reliable and accessible option for those who may face issues with card acceptance or prefer not to use contactless payments, ensuring inclusivity and uninterrupted travel access for all passengers according to the document Staff Guide 2, Types of Tickets and Ways to Pay, March 2025, from FOI request FOI‑3904‑2425.
Conclusion
Paper tickets should be retained as a crucial alternative across not only the Transport for London (TfL) network but also other transport systems, including railways throughout the UK. Many passengers, particularly those who have lost their bank cards or smartphones and are awaiting replacements—which can take up to five working days for an Oyster card—face a period without access to contactless or digital payments, leaving paper tickets as their only practical means to travel. Furthermore, some contactless cards, especially those issued outside the UK, are not accepted, creating barriers for visitors and occasional travellers. Paper tickets provide an inclusive, reliable fallback that addresses accessibility, security, and operational risks. Modernising paper tickets with QR codes, as trialled in UK railways, can combine convenience with continued accessibility. Maintaining a paper ticket option alongside digital methods ensures fair, seamless and resilient travel for all passengers across London and the wider UK transport network.
In my previous article, I suggested that fares and ticketing should be consulted upon to ensure democratic oversight and fairness, reflecting the needs of all passengers, including those reliant on paper tickets and those digitally excluded. This consultation is vital because fares are linked to public funding and affect a broad range of users. The article also proposed transitioning to QR code ticketing as an accessible alternative to PAYG Oyster and Contactless payment methods, supporting inclusivity and modernisation.
In the Republic of Ireland, the National Transport Authority is beginning a phased rollout of contactless fare payments on Transport for Ireland (TFI) Local Link services, starting in Tipperary from 1 December 2025. Passengers will be able to pay using debit and credit cards as well as mobile options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, while cash and TFI Leap cards will still be accepted. The full rollout is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, improving accessibility without removing existing payment choices. Contactless payments on Dublin public transport are not anticipated to be fully implemented until 2029. You can read more about this development on The Journal.
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