FOI request detail

Maximum number or value of coins / banknotes accepted in a ticket machine

Request ID: FOI-4183-2324
Date published: 05 March 2024

You asked
Dear Transport for London, Under the Freedom Of Information Act I am requesting details about your policy of Transport For London on the maximum number or value of coins / banknotes accepted by a ticket machine. I have noticed during top-up of my Oyster Card by coins that a red text appears after after some time specifying the remaining number of coins accepted. Therefore I would like to know the exact maximum number of coins a ticket machine can accept. I would also like to know at the same time if there is any policy regarding the maximum value or number of coins or banknotes that a ticket machine will accept. I would appreciate any information you can provide regarding this request. Thank you very much for your help and i hope to hear back from you soon.

We answered

Our ref: FOI-4183-2324

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 February 2024 asking for information about ticketing machines.

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 on how ticket machines handle cash.

Coin Handling Unit
  • If the transaction is cancelled, coins will be dispensed from the TWS 100 back to the coin bowl, providing a 19 coin escrow capability
  • The capacity of the compact hoppers shall allow for 600x5p, 400x10p, 200x50p, 200x£1 coins to be retained for the purposes of giving change
 
Note Handling Unit
  • There is a 14 note escrow in the device. Original banknotes are returned to the customer if tendering is cancelled
  • Accepts English and Scottish £5, £10, £20
  • The device is configured to only recycle £5 and £10 notes (capacity of 45 notes)

In summary, the escrow process ensures that the customer will receive the original banknotes/coins when a transaction is cancelled.
  • Max number of notes is 14 (£240)
  • Max number of coins is 19 (£19)
  • Max cash transaction is £259

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

Yours sincerely,



Tahsin Prima
FOI Case Officer
General Counsel
Transport for London

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