On Tue, 30 Dec 2003 00:25:16 -0000, "Robin Mayes"
wrote:

"Paul Corfield" wrote in message
.. .

While I do understand why people are disappointed I would much prefer a
situation whereby the system is implemented incrementally in a way the
travelling public and staff can follow. There is nothing worse than
making a change that involves people's money and finding it doesn't
quite work - as an organisation you will be vilified in the press and
face a barrage of (legitimate) complaints. LUL hardly needs any more
public vilification now does it?

But the incremental implementation is causing more confusion! I suggest you
read traffic circular 48 onwards, where Oyster related items are being
changed weekly! Consider the effect that the information in the staff
"briefings"are changing all the time has. We're supposed to be able to
answer customers' queries straight away, without having to wade through
several issues looking for the latest update. I'm very concerned that there
hasn't been enough "awareness campaigns" done to ensure those who would like
to use pre-pay are fully aware that they need to touch the card on a reader
when exiting and the lack of fare-capping will result with people being
charged too much. Perhaps we're looking at this from different viewpoints
though.

Well we do get the TC in my office and I have had a look at various bits
and bobs. I don't read it every week so hadn't appreciate the "moving
feast" but it had registered that it was happening from comments on this
group.

I'm trying to track down a copy of the fares revision supplement so I
can really try to see what is supposed to happen though.

There are posters on display at Walthamstow Central advising pre-pay
users of the need to validate on exit or be overcharged.

I don't think we are looking at it from different viewpoints. In my old
role I was shouted at and abused by ticket office staff while making
presentations on various ticketing matters. I know it is a very
stressful job working in a ticket office with constant questions and
never ending queues. I therefore appreciate the importance of staff
getting the correct information on something as new as Oyster in a
readily understood way. Regrettably it looks like that is not being
achieved with the pre-pay facility. I think I am pleased I don't work in
a ticket office - perhaps I should volunteer to be an Oyster Helper for
next week? :-)) At Mile End and then I can wave at Kat and she can
laugh at me for getting shouted at by our customers!
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!