Stevie wrote in message m...

probably the best way of doing pre-pay
would be similar to the congestion charge.

Basically, you register (and get your card etc.) and you go on buses,
tubes, trains etc. throughout the day. Then, you've got until 10pm that
day to call them and check you had enough credit on your account (or top
it up if you need more). If you don't pay by 10, the outstanding amount
is doubled. Don't pay by midnight then you've got a penalty fare
etc.etc. and your card is blocked until you payup. Actually, to make it
more in-line with the public transport system, it'll probably be best if
the times are something like don't pay by the time the last tube has
departed then it's doubled and don't pay before the first tube leaves
the next morning, then you've got a penalty fare.

This seems over-complicated for the customer and would, I think,
increase the problems of non-payment rather than reducing them (just
look at the number of outstanding c-charge fines or appeals). What I
would like to see is Oyster credit accounts - where the system would
track your journeys and automatically bill you for your travel by
direct-debit (including appropriate travelcard-type discounts). Then
you'd never need to worry about buying a ticket.

How many different ways do they have for paying the CC? Txt, phonecall,
internet, phone kiosks, shops - I'm sure they could offer these
different channels for paying for travel tickets as well.

Or for re-charging your Oyster.