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Paying for 2 people with contactless on tube and busses

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Navigating Contactless Payments on London’s Transport: A Guide for Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to London, one of the essential aspects to consider is how to navigate the city’s extensive public transportation system. Recently, a traveler reached out with a question regarding contactless payment methods while riding the Tube and buses, an inquiry that is quite common among tourists.

The traveler is set to journey to London soon with her sister and is seeking clarity on the payment rules surrounding contactless cards. The information available indicates that Transport for London (TfL) generally allows only one contactless card per passenger for fare payment. However, with the intention to travel using a single card, the traveler wonders if there might be any workaround for this guideline.

According to the official TfL website, it is important to use the same payment method throughout your journey. For example, switching between a card and a mobile payment method like Apple Pay for different passengers is not permitted. This leads to the question: could one traveler use a physical card while the other pays with their phone as a potential solution?

While this may seem like a viable workaround, it’s essential to remember that this approach may still fall under TfL’s rules, which emphasize consistency in payment methods across a group’s travel. Therefore, it is recommended to either acquire an additional contactless card for the second traveler or explore prepaid Oyster cards, which can be used by both passengers without the need for separate payment methods.

Alternatively, consider using a shared online account where credit can be topped up in advance, allowing both travelers to benefit from the same account while enjoying the flexibility of contactless payments.

To ensure a seamless travel experience, planning ahead is key, especially concerning payment methods on London’s transport system. With a bit of preparation, you can focus on enjoying your time in this vibrant city without any payment-related hiccups. Happy travels!

One thought on “Paying for 2 people with contactless on tube and busses”

  1. Additional Tips for Contactless Payments with Multiple Travelers in London

    As a London resident, I’ve found that managing contactless payments with a group can be smoothly handled with a bit of planning. Here are some insights that might help:

    • Use a Shared Oyster Card: An Oyster card can be preloaded with credit and shared among a small group, as long as individual journeys are logged correctly. It’s a straightforward way to avoid the complications of multiple contactless cards.
    • Consider a Group Travel Card or Travel Passes: For larger groups or repeated trips, Travelcards or Group Day Travelcards can be economical options, offering unlimited travel within specified zones for a set price.
    • Account Sharing with Contactless Payments: If using mobile contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay, setting up a shared account or family card can enable multiple users to access the same payment method effortlessly, provided each uses their device with permission.
    • Check for Contactless Limitations: Remember that contactless cards typically allow grouped journeys only if the cards are registered to the same account or are part of a linked payment system. Always ensure your cards are registered properly to avoid fare issues.

    Ultimately, planning ahead—like acquiring a shared Oyster or Travelcard—can simplify your group’s travel experience and save you time

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