TfL payment goes cash-free and contactless
TfL is undergoing some changes to their payments systems and these will change the way you travel - the good news is that even if you have no cash or Oyster credit, you are now able to catch a bus home (or to the nearest top-up point) without paying on the spot. The bad news is that cash will no longer be accepted - so it's important to get your bank cards up to date with contactless tech!
The big change
From Sunday 6 July, you will no longer be able to use cash to pay for your bus fare. Instead of cash, you can use an Oyster or contactless payment card for the £1.45 pay-as-you-go adult fare.
What if I run out of credit?
If you don’t have enough credit on your Oyster card or your Bus & Tram Pass or Travelcard has just expired, you can now make one more journey on a bus. You must then top up your pay-as-you-go credit before you can use your Oyster card again. Find out more about cash free buses here.
While we're talking travel...can I get a student discount on TfL transport?
Yes, you can get 30% off the price of adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes.
If you're 18 or over, live at a London address, in full-time education, or on a mandatory work placement in London, you may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard.
To apply, you must be enrolled:
- With a school, college or university that's registered on the TfL scheme
- On a mandatory work placement in London
- On an eligible full-time or part-time course
You'll need:
- A colour digital photo to upload
- Your enrolment ID from your school, college or university
- Your course start and end dates
- A credit or debit card to pay the £10 fee
- An active email address
