One thing and another, I've not attempted to use my Oyster card
lately (it was getting more and more recalcitrant on the buses; the only
time it worked in the last 7 or 8 attempts was the only time I've had
an inspector check my ticket!).

So today I walked into UXB and asked about a replacement (the
ticket machine couldn't read it, nor apparently the machine in the ticket
booth when I first presented it). I was given a form to fill in, and
asked to produce ID (I had my driving licence with me). I was also asked
to estimate how much was left on the (prepay only) card. I put down £18
because the last time I used it I believe the balance shown was £17.60.
There was a slight confusion about the need to put down a security code --
I thought it must have been for the old one, and left it blank, but the
ticket officer insisted I filled it in so I took it to be for the new one
-- and filled in the password I use for on-line access anyhow.

So, I was issued with a new card, pre-credited with £18 -- I presume
that will be adjusted somehow once they check their records for the exact
credit. Oh what a relief to get on the U1 and have the Oyster reader's
LED change from yellow to green when I "swiped"! (My arthritic ankles were
also pleased...)

--
Ivan Reid, Electronic & Computer Engineering, ___ CMS Collaboration,
Brunel University. ] Room 40-1-B12, CERN
KotPT -- "for stupidity above and beyond the call of duty".