Transport for LondonOyster - just the ticket for Londoners
The extension of Oyster ticketing means it is now accepted at all of the capital's 350 National Rail stations.
In particular this will benefit commuters living in the South and North-East of London, where Oyster pay as you go was not previously accepted on the majority of rail services.
The extension was introduced on January 2, the same day the new Transport for London (TfL) fares package came into effect.
Although fares have been increased to sustain investment in vital transport improvements and protect frontline services, the Mayor has ensured free and concessionary fares remain for London's older and young people, plus those on low incomes.
It means that 40 per cent of bus passengers will continue to travel free or at a substantial concessionary rate and the Freedom Pass will still be valid for travel 24 hours a day on all TfL services.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'The new year will see the start of a new age of travel in London - the Oyster age.'
He added: 'It will also be a year when our transport system sees dramatic improvements - new trains on the Victoria line and on the Metropolitan line complete with air conditioning, the opening of the East London line, a cycling revolution, and the start of full works on Crossrail.
'I know the fares rises will be hard but believe me - without them these huge improvements in our quality of life, and the retention of the standing of our city, would not be possible.'
The need to raise fares resulted from the huge financial pressures on TfL caused by factors including the collapse of Metronet and a recession-linked fall in Tube ridership.
On average bus fares will rise by 12.7 per cent and Tube fares by 3.9 per cent - increases similar to those introduced in 2005 and 2006.
Londoners using Oyster will continue to receive the best-value single journey and daily prices across the TfL network.
Passengers looking for the best-value fare can use TfL's online single fares finder at tfl.gov.uk/farefinder
What you need to know
- Oyster pay as you go bus fare from £1 to £1.20
- A seven day bus pass from £13.80 to £16.60
- On the Tube, the Zone 1 Oyster pay as you go fare from £1.60 to £1.80
- Most other Oyster pay as you go fares on the Tube increase by 20p, with greater rises on some longer distance peak fares
- The vast majority of Travelcard prices frozen across the network
- Oyster can now be used for rail services in the Capital operated by Chiltern, National Express East Anglia, London Midland, First Great Western, First Capital Connect, Southern, Southeastern, South West Trains plus c2c services in Greater London and at Grays, Chafford Hundred, Purfleet and Ockendon stations in Essex
