TheAssociation of Train Operating Companies
(ATOC)has confirmed that plans are still on
track to extend the use ofLondon's Oystercontactless rail
payment card to all rail companies operating in the capital within
the next two years.
ATOC said the plan had been under consideration for several
years and rail firms were all committed in principle to reaching an
agreement, which would see Oyster pay-as-you-go cards accepted by
all rail companies across London.
The association said talks were ongoing to reach the specifics
of the agreement and the rail companies were aiming to achieve an
integrated smartcard payment system for London's transport by
2009.
The extended system will enable passengers to move easily
between rail, Tube, Docklands Light Rail, tram and bus using an
Oyster card.
When Transport for London's (Tfl) Overground service starts on
11 November, passengers will be able to use Oyster cards across all
54 North London Railway's stations.
To promote the installation of Oyster card readers at all 250
rail stations in London to meet the 2009 target, Tfl has offered to
pay for the necessary equipment. Rail companies have until 19
October to accept this offer.
The spokesman said Chiltern has already signed up to the deal.
Although c2c and ONE have indicated their acceptance of the offer,
they have yet to sign the agreement.