Request ID: FOI-1936-2223 Date published: 29 November 2022
You asked
Dear Transport for London team
Under the FOI, I would like to know the number and locations of all Oyster Agent Retailers in the area of E17.
Furthermore, I would like to know all the requirements to become an Oyster Agent as well as specifically, how far one retailer needs to be from another, to be elligible.
Finally, I would like to know the clear process of applying, such as links, forms etc.
Kind regards
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1936-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 8 November 2022.
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 the information you require. You asked for:
Number and locations of all Oyster Agent Retailers in the area of E17.
Currently there are 45 Oyster Ticket Stop agents in the E17 post code area, please see attached file for location details.
Requirements to become an Oyster Agent as well as specifically, how far one retailer needs to be from another, to be eligible.
We have a fixed number of Oyster issuing devices, which are allocated to a network of up to 4,000 Oyster Ticket Stops throughout Greater London to enable customers to top-up Oyster cards and buy Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes. A requirement for a minimum number of Oyster Ticket Stops has been identified in each of approximately 250 post code areas to provide appropriate coverage, based on a number of factors including (but not limited to) population, number and location of bus routes and whether there are alternative Oyster issuing facilities nearby. The current requirement for the E17 post code area is for 44 Oyster Ticket Stops.
Appointment criteria include:
Location
Confidence in the trainability of outlet staff to operate the issuing device and the ability of the outlet to offer good customer service covering Oyster cards and the range of Travel Products available, including setting Discounts.
Acceptance of debit/credit cards, on the same terms as non-Oyster items sold in the shop.
Evaluation of shop presentation, including provision for display material such as poster(s).
Secure premises with safe storage
Opening hours.
Step free access into the shop is also taken into consideration.
There is no defined distance between Oyster Ticket Stops to determine eligibility, it’s a judgement call based on the post code area requirements, the location details (e.g. busy multi bus route) and whether existing sales levels indicate that there would be sufficient demand to support the best use of an issuing device.
Finally, I would like to know the clear process of applying, such as links, forms etc.
The request will be assessed initially in terms of location suitability against post code area requirements, existing sales levels in the area and any other information provided by the prospective applicant at that time, e.g. opening hours.
If deemed to be a suitable candidate, an interview will be arranged to take place at the retail premises. If successful, application forms will be provided subsequently, the process includes credit research.
If successful, this will be followed by training. A device will be supplied and a go live date arranged.
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
