Transport chiefs in London have been accused of keeping quiet about a £321m "cash mountain" from money left on dormant Oyster travel cards.

They are now being urged to encourage more people to get their money back from redundant electronic passes.

The call came on the 15th anniversary of Oyster, which revolutionised the way public transport was paid for in the capital.

Image: More than 100 million people have used Oyster cards since their launch 15 years ago

However, use is declining as travellers increasingly switch to contactless payment using their banks cards or smartphones.

The balances and deposits on Oyster cards that have not been used for at least a year stand at more than £321 million, figures from Transport for London (TfL) reveal.


Liberal Democrat London assembly member Caroline Pidgeon said: "The total amount left on dormant Oyster cards is soaring, almost certainly in part due to the increasing number of people who have switched to contactless payment.

"TfL never stops bombarding us with advertisements and information campaigns, but highlighting this cash mountain is one issue that they remain incredibly quiet about.

"It is time TfL devoted far more time and energy telling the public how they can get their own money back."

Image: Contactless payment using banks cards or smartphones is increasing

More than 100 million people have used Oyster cards since they were launched on 30 June 2003.

They can be used for travel by tube, rail, bus, boat and cable car.

The total cost of journeys each day is capped, meaning users are charged no more than the price of an equivalent daily paper ticket.

TfL's chief technology officer Shashi Verma said: "The Oyster card is an essential part of London and we're delighted with how popular this innovation has become in the last 15 years.

"It has transformed travel on public transport in London, become a world-recognised product and helped provide more affordable and convenient travel for everyone."