Commuter wrote:
Just seen on another forum that members are arranging a Zone 1 (except
Blackfriars) 'Tube challenge' where they aim to visit all stations in
the shortest possible time for a competition between members (not a
world record attempt or anything).

It has been raised that there may be problems with Oyster PAYG and that
users should instead buy a z1-2 Travelcard. What would happen if someone
touched in and didn't touch out again for say 3 hours, even then they
may touch out at a different location? Would there be the £4 minimum
charge or would something else happen?

As with any tube challenge (be it the Zone 1, Alphabet, All Lines,
Random 15, or even the full 270 or so), use of Oyster PAYG is strongly
discouraged, due to the maximum journey time of 2.5 hours.

Incidentally, the current fastest known time for a Zone 1 Challenge is 2
hours 45 minutes and 11 seconds, and AFAIK that's been entirely inside
the "paid" area of the network.

Incidentally, the "classic" start for an All Stations challenge from
Amersham takes over 3 hours to get into town, and once you get into
town, you tend to go for a lot longer without passing a gateline or
validator, risking several unresolved journeys.

Cheers,

Barry