TfL reminds parents to check children's travel cards before school
Transport for London is urging families to ensure Zip Oyster photocards are valid for free or discounted journeys.
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Transport for London (TfL) is reminding parents and guardians to verify their child's Zip Oyster photocard before the start of the new school term. The reminder aims to ensure that young people can continue to access free or discounted travel across the capital's transport network without interruption.
Benefits of Zip Oyster photocards
Parents must renew Zip Oyster cards before school term starts
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Zip Oyster photocards are available for different age groups, offering various travel benefits. The 5-10 card provides free travel on most TfL services, including buses, the Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground, the Elizabeth line (excluding the Reading to West Drayton section), and most National Rail services within London. For children aged 11 to 15, the card offers free travel on buses and trams, along with child-rate fares on the Tube, DLR, and other TfL services. TfL also encourages checking eligibility for 16+, 18+, or apprentice Oyster photocards, which provide further concessions for those in education or apprenticeships.
Emma Strain, customer director at TfL, stated: "With the new school year fast approaching, it’s important that parents and guardians check their child’s Zip Oyster photocard and make sure they apply for a new or updated card if needed. Ensuring that their Zip photocards are valid before the start of term will help children continue to benefit from affordable travel across London’s Tube, bus and rail network."
Application process and additional offers
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Applications for Zip Oyster photocards can be submitted online via the TfL website. TfL advises that these applications typically take around two weeks to process following approval. In addition to the photocards, TfL is promoting the Weekend Hopper fare. This offer allows unlimited journeys on buses and trams for £1.75 on Saturdays and Sundays, and is available until August 31. The fare applies automatically when using the same payment method for each journey.
Questions this report answers
+How do I apply for a Zip Oyster photocard?
Applications for Zip Oyster photocards can be made online through the Transport for London (TfL) website. TfL states that processing typically takes about two weeks after approval, so it is advisable to apply in advance of when the card is needed.
+What travel benefits do Zip Oyster photocards offer?
The 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard allows free travel on most TfL services and some National Rail services. The 11-15 card provides free bus and tram travel, with child-rate fares available on other TfL services. There are also options for those aged 16 and over.
+Is there a special fare offer for weekends?
Yes, TfL is promoting the Weekend Hopper fare until August 31. This allows unlimited travel on buses and trams for £1.75 on Saturdays and Sundays. The fare is applied automatically when using the same card or device for each journey.
WE FILE
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