Understanding TfL Daily Capping: How Does It Work with Travel Cards?
Travel costs across London’s extensive public transportation network can be complex, especially when considering fare caps and the use of various travel cards. A key question many commuters have is how Transport for London’s (TfL) daily capping system interacts with travel cards covering multiple zones. Here, we explore the mechanics of TfL’s daily cap system and answer common queries regarding travel cards that span different zones.
What is TfL’s Daily Cap?
Transport for London (TfL) employs a daily fare capping system designed to prevent passengers from paying more than a set amount within a single day. Once the daily expenditure reaches this cap, any additional journeys that day are free. This system is intended to make travel more affordable and predictable for regular commuters.
The capping is zone-specific, meaning different fare caps apply depending on the zones you travel through:
- Zone 5-1 Cap: Currently set at £15.30
- Zone 1-1 & 1-2 Cap: Currently set at £8.90
How Does Capping Work with Travel Cards?
Many passengers use travel cards—such as Oyster or contactless travel cards—that grant access across multiple zones. A common question is: If a travel card covers zones 5 to 2, and I travel into zone 1, which fare cap applies?
The answer depends on the zones traveled and the zones your travel card covers:
- When traveling entirely within your fare zones: The system applies the cap relevant to those zones.
- When traveling beyond your travel card zones: TfL’s policies state that the daily cap is based on the furthest zone traveled during the day.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Travel Card Covers Zones 2-5
Suppose you hold a travel card valid for zones 2 to 5 and decide to travel into zone 1:
- Since your travel card does not cover zone 1, the fare for traveling into zone 1 will be calculated separately.
- The fare system will treat your journey into zone 1 as a new trip, with the applicable zone 1 cap of £8.90.
- Your total daily fare will therefore be subject to the higher cap, not the zone 5-1 cap of £15.30, because the zone 1 journey is considered an additional segment outside your travel card coverage.