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Bus drivers will no longer accept cash fares from passengers as of this summer, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

The measure, which was first revealed last year, is being introduced despite being backed by only one third of bus users in a recent public consultation.

Transport bosses claim the decision to move solely to Oyster and contactless debit or credit card payments will save the network £24million a year.

They insist the changes will not affect tourists, as most now use Oyster cards.

Currently just one per cent of bus journeys are paid for with cash, according to TfL.

Leon Daniels, managing director for TfL's Surface Transport said: "The decision to stop accepting cash fares on London buses reflects the changing way that people pay for goods and services in our city, including journeys on the bus network."

Other measures being introduced include a 'one more journey’ feature on Oyster that will allow passengers with less than the single bus fare, currently £1.45, but who have a positive balance on their card to make one more bus journey before they have to add credit.

A review of the Oyster Ticket Stop network, where bus users can top up their Oyster cards, is also being carried out.

Finally, new guidance is being given to London's 24,500 bus drivers on how to deal with vulnerable passengers.