Request ID: FOI-0443-2324 Date published: 08 June 2023
You asked
I understand that there are 'grace periods' around the off-peak travel times - when you can tap in a few minutes earlier than the conventionally advertised off-peak time and still benefit from off-peak fares. The most recent authoritative information I can find on these are from a 2017 FOI request (see here).
Can you let me know whether the grace periods still stand, and if so whether they are the same as they were in 2017.
Can you also let me know if it would be possible in theory to work out how many journeys are made within the grace periods which are not charged at peak price as a result?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0443-2323
Thank you for your request which we received on 15 May 2023, asking for information about the grace period for Oyster card off-peak journeys.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
Can you let me know whether the grace periods still stand, and if so whether they are the same as they were in 2017.
The times given for “grace periods”, that are shown in the FOI request you referred to, are unchanged. The times that are applied to Pay As You Go (PAYG) journeys made with Contactless cards and devices are the same as those for Oyster.
Can you also let me know if it would be possible in theory to work out how many journeys are made within the grace periods which are not charged at peak price as a result?
It is theoretically possible to work out how many journeys are made which start within grace periods, although since device time can vary from real time, the answer this yields will be subjective.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
