When it comes to riding the London bus, the age-old question of whether to tap once or twice is a topic of much debate among locals and tourists alike. The answer to this question is actually quite simple. The rule of thumb is to tap once upon boarding the bus and tap again only if your journey requires changing buses or modes of transportation within the same fare zone. This simple action ensures that you have paid the appropriate fare for your journey and helps to keep the system running smoothly for everyone.
Contents
- The Importance of Tapping Once or Twice
- Common Questions about Tapping on London Bus
- 1. Why do I need to tap my card when boarding the bus?
- 2. Do I need to tap again if I transfer to another bus or mode of transportation?
- 3. What happens if I don’t tap when boarding the bus?
- 4. Can I use my Oyster card on the London bus?
- 5. What if I don’t have an Oyster card or contactless payment card?
- 6. Do children need to tap their cards when boarding the bus?
- 7. Can I use my mobile phone to pay for the bus fare?
- 8. Is there a maximum fare cap for using the London bus?
- 9. Can I pay for someone else’s bus fare with my card?
- 10. What if the card reader is not working when I board the bus?
- 11. Can I purchase a bus ticket on the bus with cash?
- 12. Are there any discounts available for bus fare in London?
The Importance of Tapping Once or Twice
Riders are often confused about whether they need to tap their Oyster card or contactless payment card more than once when traveling on the London bus. It’s important to understand the reasoning behind this process. Tapping once when you board the bus allows the system to deduct the appropriate fare for your journey. Tapping again, if necessary, when transferring to another bus or mode of transportation within the same fare zone ensures that you are not overcharged for your trip.
Common Questions about Tapping on London Bus
1. Why do I need to tap my card when boarding the bus?
When you tap your Oyster card or contactless payment card upon boarding the bus, it allows the system to deduct the appropriate fare for your journey. This helps to ensure that you have paid the correct amount for your trip.
2. Do I need to tap again if I transfer to another bus or mode of transportation?
Yes, if you are transferring to another bus or mode of transportation within the same fare zone, you will need to tap your card again. This ensures that you are not overcharged for your journey.
3. What happens if I don’t tap when boarding the bus?
If you don’t tap your card when boarding the bus, you risk being charged a penalty fare or facing other consequences for fare evasion. It’s important to always tap your card to ensure that you have paid the appropriate fare for your journey.
4. Can I use my Oyster card on the London bus?
Yes, you can use your Oyster card or contactless payment card to pay for your bus fare in London. Simply tap your card upon boarding the bus and, if necessary, when transferring to another bus or mode of transportation within the same fare zone.
5. What if I don’t have an Oyster card or contactless payment card?
If you don’t have an Oyster card or contactless payment card, you can also use a paper Travelcard or bus pass to pay for your bus fare in London. Be sure to have your ticket or pass ready to show the driver when boarding the bus.
6. Do children need to tap their cards when boarding the bus?
Yes, children aged 11-15 must use a Zip Oyster card and tap it when boarding the bus. Children under 11 can travel for free on the London bus and do not need to tap any form of payment upon boarding.
7. Can I use my mobile phone to pay for the bus fare?
Yes, you can use a mobile payment method, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, to pay for your bus fare in London. Simply tap your mobile device on the card reader when boarding the bus and, if necessary, when transferring to another bus or mode of transportation within the same fare zone.
8. Is there a maximum fare cap for using the London bus?
Yes, there is a daily fare cap for using the London bus with an Oyster card or contactless payment card. Once you have reached the maximum fare cap for the day, any additional bus journeys within the same fare zones will be free of charge for the rest of the day.
9. Can I pay for someone else’s bus fare with my card?
Yes, you can use your Oyster card or contactless payment card to pay for someone else’s bus fare in London. Simply tap your card twice, once for your own fare and again for the other person’s fare, if necessary.
10. What if the card reader is not working when I board the bus?
If the card reader is not working when you board the bus, inform the driver and try to use another card reader if available. If no other card reader is accessible, the driver may allow you to board without tapping, but it’s important to still tap your card if you can once the reader is working.
11. Can I purchase a bus ticket on the bus with cash?
No, you cannot purchase a bus ticket on the bus with cash in London. Be sure to have an Oyster card, contactless payment card, mobile payment method, paper Travelcard, or bus pass ready to pay for your fare when boarding the bus.
12. Are there any discounts available for bus fare in London?
Yes, there are discounts available for bus fare in London, such as the Hopper fare, which allows you to make unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour for the price of a single fare. be sure to check the Transport for London website for information about all available discounts and fare options for bus travel in London.
In conclusion, tapping once or twice on the London bus is a simple process that ensures you pay the appropriate fare for your journey. Whether using an Oyster card, contactless payment card, mobile payment method, paper Travelcard, or bus pass, be sure to tap your payment method upon boarding the bus and again if necessary when transferring to another bus or mode of transportation within the same fare zone. This helps to keep the London bus system running smoothly and efficiently for all passengers.
