South West Trains’ decision to start equipping their ticket machines to sell Oyster PAYG top-up at their stations in the London area has been warmly welcomed by Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group.
Just weeks ago Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, told Caroline Pidgeon that South West Trains was the only train operating company in London refusing to sell Oyster tickets or provide Oyster top-ups for passengers. At the time the Mayor also stated that South West Trains did not even have any plans to start selling Oyster tickets in the near future.
Commenting on South West Trains’ decision,which will take effect in all 44 of their stations in the boroughs of Hounslow, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth, and was announced in a press release from the
Department of Transport, Caroline Pidgeon said:
“I very much welcome South West Trains change of heart, catching up with all the other train companies. At last SWT passengers will be able to top up their Oyster cards at all stations in the London area they cover. It is only a shame that SWT has been so behind in introducing this service."
You can also read about this at the London Reconnections blog and at the Evening Standard.