Oystercard boundary to be extended?

First Capital Connect has confirmed that they are in the early stages of discussions with the Department for Transport and Transport for London to introduce the Oyster card system into Hertfordshire.

If implemented it could see the Oyster boundary move out as far out as St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Hertford North.

County Councillor for St Albans, Chris White, believes that now is the perfect time for the scheme to be introduced in Hertfordshire.

“These things take time but we are at a point of radical change on the railways. There is no reason why the scheme should not be rolled out even further than St Albans, including areas such as Harpenden. ”

It is believed that a hybrid system will operate combining the existing season ticket scheme with the new Oyster cards. In most situations, Oyster is the cheapest single fare, however there will still be times where a season ticket is the best option.  The main advantage of Oyster is that it is quick and convenient and may actually save money with Train Operating Companies not having to replace season tickets that no longer operate automated ticket barriers.

First Capital Connect have demonstrated by their discussions that they don’t see Oyster as a threat to their ticket revenues and this might also have a positive effect on other companies meaning the boundary could stretch even further.