Jim wrote to uk.transport.london on Fri, 17 Jun 2005:

Similarly, many ATMs do not ask if you want another service after you ask
for cash.

No, but they assume, correctly in most cases, that if you want to check
your balance you'll do it first (and most check your balance for you
when getting cash, anyway). But with Oyster, neither works first......

Considering that most people just want cash, the calculation must
be that things are speeded up by not giving people too many choices (have
you seen how long people stare blankly at the screen when asked an
unexpected question!).

Er, not when they are used to using the machines, only if they're my
mother! Who, in her late 70s, finds it awkward (my father, in his 80s,
has discovered the joys of cashback in the supermarket!).

I assume you wanted to pay by card in a second transaction so you were
stuck,

Which is the case.

but on balance I don't think I would have programmed the thing
differently. Using the machines for (single!) oyster transactions is dream -
I can top up my prepay in about 10 seconds, precisely because I'm not
standing there answering questions.

Yes, but how long does it take to push a button saying "No, thank you"
and proceed to checkout.....
--
"Mrs Redboots"
http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/
Website updated 23 May 2005