Request ID: FOI-2859-2324 Date published: 14 November 2023
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 N17. 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 eligible.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2859-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 7 November 2023 asking for information about Oyster Agents.
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:
the number and locations of all Oyster Agent Retailers in the area of N17.
The information you asked for is available on our website using the following link to a response given to a previous Freedom of Information request asking for the number of Oyster Ticket Stops across the capital. Those in the N17 area can be selected and filtered accordingly in the spreadsheet provided via:
In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.
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 eligible.
With regard to appointment criteria, the top level requirement is location. 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 throughout Greater London, based on a number of factors including (but not limited to) population, the number and location of bus routes and whether there are alternative Oyster issuing facilities nearby.
Next level requirements relate to the suitability of the business premises:
shop presentation - clean, tidy, well-lit, secure premises with safe storage and provision for display material
standards of service - the Oyster Ticket Stop agent must meet training standards in the operation of the issuing device and knowledge of travel products and be capable of providing a good customer service.
opening hours - minimum 07:00 to 18:00 hours Monday to Saturday, also open on Sundays with flexibility on opening times
acceptance of debit/credit cards, on the same terms as non-Oyster items sold in the shop
where there are a number of equivalent candidates, preference is given to shops with step free access
The applicant must also pass credit checks.
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
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London