On Mon, 11 Aug 2003 22:29:19 +0100, Martin Rich
wrote:

On two rides so far on Routemasters with an Oyster card (both 19s) the
conductor has just glanced at it quickly. I think they can ask to see
the little printed record card that comes with the Oyster card and
explains its validity.

That's how it's done in Milton Keynes if the bus isn't equipped with a
reader or it's broken (more often than not, unfortunately) - though to
avoid delays drivers often just wave people through when they produce
a smart card in these situations.

Neil