Kai wrote:

"Matthew" wrote in message
om...
I am interested in the mechanics of these cards, which are smart cards
for use on London's transport system. One would hope given the
reported £1billion+ that they are secure.

This is funny: "Because the Oyster card is contactless, customers only need
to touch the cardreaders with their Oyster cards as they pass through ticket
gates at London Underground or National Rail stations or board a bus. "

If they are contactless, then whey do the customers need touch the
cardreaders?

They originally said you could keep it in your pocket and sail through
the gates, but you can't! So they then changed it to the above wording.

However, you can leave it in your bag and wave your bag over the reader
(I have done it).

I think they are just overstating the case so that people don't hold it
six inches above the reader and then complain that it doesn't work.