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Big news commuters! We could finally be getting digital Oyster cards. That’s right, TfL’s Oysters could soon catch up with modern tech and be uploaded to smartphone wallets.
TfL has awarded a seven-year contract to Spanish tech company Indra Group to run its run its revenue collection systems. Indra will be replacing US company Cubic, which has operated the Oyster card since it was introduced in 2003.
Part of Indra’s job will be to modernise the Oyster system, meaning that Oyster cards and travel passes are one step closer to being integrated with smartphones.
Not only would that mean Oyster users can tap in and out without relying on a physical card (easy to lose or accidentally leave at home), it would allow them to top up their travel balance instantly and track their journeys and spending in real-time.
Shashi Verma, director of technology strategy and revenue at TfL, said: ‘Millions of journeys are made on our public transport system every day, and it is vital that customers can trust the ticketing system to ensure they are charged the correct fare. We look forward to working with Indra group on the next evolution of our Oyster and contactless ticketing system.
‘I also want to thank everyone at Cubic Transportation Systems for their work and innovation in delivering, maintaining and improving the Oyster and contactless system over the past decades. The hard work and innovation by Cubic helped make the system as instantly recognisable and successful as it is.’
Anyone who would prefer to stick with a physical Oyster card, don’t worry – you’ll still be able to use it.
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