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Still no Oyster joy for village commuters in Radlett 

 Published on: 22nd May 2019   |   By: Tim Green   |   Category: Uncategorized

Nearly six months after commuters in Radlett were told Oyster cards were finally coming to the village, there is still no indication when the pay-as-you go system will be introduced.

Harold Karmel was among villagers to contact RadlettNews to call on Oliver Dowden MP to provide an update when Oyster will be introduced after an announcement at the end of November 2018.

He said: “It’s the frustration of being told some time last year Oyster is coming – it’s like the train is still arriving. Our MP gave us an assurance but no-one has bothered to follow it up. I went to Radlett and Borehamwood stations and they are about as much aware as you and I. Why make comments you can’t fulfil?

“If I want to use Oyster, I have to go to Borehamwood, clock off, clock in with Oyster and wait for the next train. We were promised Oyster joy and six months later, that definitely isn’t the case. Let’s please get some answers.”

Oliver Dowden MP told RadlettNews he is frustrated Oyster has still not been introduced.

He commented: “I was pleased to secure the extension of Oyster and Pay-As-You-Go technology to Radlett at the end of last year. However we have been here before with the Department for Transport and I share the frustrations of everyone that it has not been delivered already.

“That is why I have repeatedly discussed Oyster extension with ministers and there has been no indication that the project is being delayed. The extension of Oyster is still on track to be delivered later this year.

“I know how important this is to people in Radlett and when I confirm a delivery date I will be sure to let everyone know.”

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1 Comment

  1. Marc May 24th, 2019, 1:16 am

    The latest edition (May 2019) of Transport for London and Rail Delivery Group’s “London Rail and Tube services” map finally shows Radlett and Potters Bar on the map and in the pay as you go area. The key says “Expected…from Summer 2019”. So there is no reason to believe that this will not be fulfilled. Changes to this map are not made lightly and similar statements and dates have always been fulfilled in the past when other stations have been planned to be added, eg Gatwick. So fingers crossed, it’s arrival is imminent which is great news.

    The announcement by DfT in November 2018 on the extension of Oyster to Radlett and other stations in the Home Counties said that this would be done as a phased rollout during 2019 and gave no firm timetable. It said the first stations to benefit would be Epsom and stations to Herford North. This was completed in February and April respectively. Further stations would then follow. No one has broken any promises yet(!).

    I’m not sure what is meant by “Our MP gave us an assurance but no-one has bothered to follow this up”. Oliver Dowden has been in regular contact with DfT on this matter and has been getting the assurances that it is on track and will be delivered this year. So until 31 December we haven’t really got anything to be
    upset about.

    When it does arrive, be warned: Oyster is not necessarily going to be cheaper. Sometimes it will be but sometimes in won’t. However the use of contactless technology and pay as you go will be more convenient for some. For anyone wanting a heads-up on when and when not to use Oyster at Radlett, take a look at some of the many articles that have been written about the introduction of Oyster at Epsom: https://www.oyster-rail.org.uk/2019/02/oyster-at-epsom/ and https://www.oyster-rail.org.uk/2019/03/the-epsom-story-part-1/.

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