Will Noble

Sadiq Wants To Extend Oyster And Contactless To Stansted, Luton And Southend Airports

Is it time Stansted airport accepted Oyster? Image: Shutterstock

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, wants to extend the Oyster and contactless zone to three major airports serving London: Stansted, Luton and Southend.

In a letter to Minister of State for Transport, Khan's Deputy Mayor for Transport Heidi Alexander wrote:

Given the success of contactless payment at Gatwick, and right across the London transport network, both the Mayor and I believe it is time that these same benefits are extended to those travelling to and from London from Luton Airport, Stansted Airport and Southend Airport. This would be especially important in time for Euro 2020 [of which Wembley will host some major games], but equally it would benefit the thousands of passengers who use these airports every day.

Oyster card and contactless technology are already available at Heathrow, Gatwick and London City Airport, which — according to the Mayor's office — is an incentive to use trains, and can see up to a 5% revenue increase for train operating companies. When Oyster pay as you go was introduced between St Pancras International and Stratford International back in 2015, there was a 72% spike in passenger journeys.

What's the benefit of using an Oyster card to get to the airport?

Image: Shutterstock

As much as we try to plan ahead, we've all been in that situation where we're praying for the slow coach in front to hurry up with the ticket machine, so you can catch your airport train. Having an Oyster card (or contactless) means you've already got your ticket — taking the the edge off the holiday stress.

Then there's price. Let's say you want to get from Victoria to Gatwick. A paper Anytime Single ticket costs £19.10 (£17.80 if you book online). Use Oyster, and you pay £17 (peak) and just £10.60, off peak.

There's been no suggestion as yet what an Oyster/contactless journey between central London and Stansted/Luton/Southend might cost. But assuming it's in line with other TfL airport fares, it'd be cheaper than the current rail ticket, by varying degrees.

Jo Johnson, Minister of State for Transport, is yet to respond to the Heidi Alexander's letter. It'd be nice if he did so before our next holiday.