How to get around London using Transport (Part 1)

Hello and welcome to a blog on getting around London using its transport. If you need assistance on how to get around London let me be your guide. In this blog, I will be talking about the use of Oyster cards including how to topup on London's Buses. But first, here is a bit about the company running the transport in London.

All tube trains, buses and trams are operated by a company called Transport For London (TFL). They are responsible of bringing passengers a reliable service that they can use across London. There are six bus companies, 1 tram line and 15 train lines that are working together to get people to the popular places that they enjoy visiting and stay at.

How Oyster Cards Work (London Buses)

When boarding the bus, cash will not be accepted. Instead you will have to use a Contactless payment card, Travelcard, or an Oyster card.

So, Oyster cards how do they work? Well it only costs £1.50 if you are travelling on one bus. If you are going on any other buses, then you will need to top up money on your oyster. There are lots of newsagents that have oyster cards just ask the shopkeeper for one. Ensure that you tap in at the start of your journey for the green light to appear. Tapping out is not required when alighting for your stop on London Buses. The credit on your Oyster card does not expire it stays the same until you next board a bus. If the credit isn't enough when tapped, then an emergency fare will be given make sure the voucher is taken. In other circumstances, it will show a red light meaning that you cannot board the service. There is also a Hopper Fare that the Mayor of London introduced where you can board unlimited journeys within an hour for £1.50. Just ensure that you tap using the same card. Here is an adult oyster card:

The same applies for 11-18 Oyster cards. Although, children that are within or under that age can travel for free across and the money does not decrease except for use on trains (trains in the next blog). The best way to find out this information is by visiting the TFL website as there is a guide on Freedom Passes (disabled users only), Travelcards and more.

Other than that, you can sit back and enjoy the views and sights in London. And that is how oyster cards can be used on London Buses. £1.50 isn't much, but its worth it compared to other areas outside London that charge more.

I hope this blog was helpful and in the next one I will be talking about how you can use Oyster cards on trains.

Thank you for reading this blog, have a good day and happy riding! :)