Gunjani wrote in message om...

Not all PSA are equipped with the scanners (they're called Prestige
Scanners). Only a dozen have been distributed, the remaining ones are on
'soak' test.

It looks that way. Having had my Oystercard checked with a Scanner
five times in succession I had assumed that the machines had been
universally distributed however the PSA's on my most recent travels
have all been 'scannerless'.

Interstingly the present scanners will be replaced by a more advanced
model at the end of the year (hence the delay in distributing the
present ones ). These scanners will allow customers to add on credits,
change thier zones etc. These are alledgedl more bulkier and cumbersome.

Bulkier? Just how much are these guys expected to carry?

Accounting that there is an average of 2 minutes per stop, can u imagine
the stress the PSA will be put under when authenticaticating all these
oyster cards and delivering a timely service.

I guess that due to the ability to download and review information
from the scanners it will increase pressure on the PSA's to carry out
ticket checks on as many trips as possible. I assume that their
present performance is assessed by means of 'mystery shopper' type
surveys. The new system can allow 100% monitoring of their ticket
sales/inspections.

At least it should be easier and quicker to issue tickets
electronically rather than using pen and paper as at present.



MJ