I would like to request information regarding several issues under the Freedom of Information Act regarding Oyster Zip. Please comply as soon as possible. The questions I would like to ask are the following: 1. Has there been any documented cases where an individual has applied and used an Oyster Zip card when their age is over 18 and doesn't meet the exception like being in full-time education? 2. Can you clarify the exceptions to the 11-15 Oyster Zip Card for those that are 16 years of age, in which their expire date is 30 September 2018? Would that, under your terms and conditions, violate that contract? 3. Can you clarify the steps and positions for staff members when suspecting someone is doing acts mentioned in bullet point 1? 4. Has there been documented cases of staff members unfairly suspecting someone doing acts like bullet point 1; in which discriminated through age, disability, etc.

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Our ref: FOI-1115-1819/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 19 July 2018 asking for information about Oyster Zip Card Fraud.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

1. Has there been any documented cases where an individual has applied and used an Oyster Zip card when their age is over 18 and doesn't meet the exception like being in full-time education?

    

         They may have applied, but the application wouldn’t be successful if they didn’t meet the eligibility criteria.

    

    

2. Can you clarify the exceptions to the 11-15 Oyster Zip Card for those that are 16 years of age, in which their expire date is 30 September 2018? Would that, under your terms and conditions, violate that contract?

    

   The exception is - ‘If your child is now 16 but was aged 15 on 31 August then they can still apply for an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard’. It’s based on their age on 31 August – we are not clear what your question is regarding an expiry date of 30 September 2018 and violating the contract….?

    

    

3. Can you clarify the steps and positions for staff members when suspecting someone is doing acts mentioned in bullet point 1?

    

   To apply for and/or use a TfL Concessionary Travel Photocard to which one is not entitled would be committing an act of Fraud and would be treated as such by TfL.  Members of TfL staff or contractors suspecting fraud is being committed against TfL would report that to their Line Manager or TfL’s Fraud Team for investigation.  Revenue Protection staff would report this to TfL Investigations, Appeals & Prosecutions team who would liaise with TfL Fraud team.  Any such suspected fraud would be fully investigated by TfL and appropriate action taken based on the evidence available – most likely leading to prosecution of those responsible. 

    

    

4. Has there been documented cases of staff members unfairly suspecting someone doing acts like bullet point 1; in which discriminated through age, disability, etc.

We are not aware of cases of cards being ‘unfairly ‘ withdrawn.   If a card is withdrawn and it subsequently transpires that the holder was using the card entirely in line with the conditions of issue, then it would be a matter for our Customer Services to resolve.

If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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