Backpacker's Guide to London
Tourist Information
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Introduction
London has transformed the quality of service of London buses. The improvements are part of a large effort to improve the public transport system as a whole, particularly the transport links across the city. The developments have been made possible through a capital investment programme.
These expected improvements to London’s transport system is aimed at making travel a lot easier and making visits to the city’s many attractions more affordable. Tourists can take advantage of the new transportation system features by choosing accommodations located near major hubs. Aside from tourists, the improved system is directed towards providing travel opportunities to full time Londoner students.
Peak and Non Peak Cards
Travel Cards are the basic means by which one can get around London. Day Travel Cards (Peak) can be used Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays). Day Travel Cards (Off peak) can be used from 0930 Mondays to Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Both types of cards should be consumed on the day of validity or on any journey that starts before 0430 on the following day.
Group Discounts
A One Day Family Travel Card is cheaper to use when traveling as a group, members of which need not be related. A typical group consists of one or two adults traveling with one to four children.
Traveling Between Zones
If traveling though the Tube and National Rail, the Travel Card must be valid for all zones. Traveling beyond the covered zones will require payment of an extension fare. Travel Card validity ranges from one day to one year.
Value Services
Most popular card for travelling in London is Oyster Card. Millions of people who are using this card find it to be convenient, secure and of good value. It is available at the Tube, some National Rail station ticket offices, Oyster Ticket shops, London Travel Information Centres or simply purchase it on-line. Oyster Photo cards are only available for children under the age of 16. This gives the children access to free travel at designated places.
You can always purchase pay as you go oyster card. That means you can put any amount on your oyster card and top it up once you have ran out of credit on card. It's a must to touch in and touch out with pay as you go oyster card. Failure to do that will cost you more expensive.
Touch In
The essential thing to remember in boarding the Tube and National Rail is to “touch-in” at the start and to “touch-out” at the end of every journey. Buses and trams require “touch-in” at the start of the journey. This is to make sure that a person is not unnecessarily overcharged. Tourists who need further transport information can always inquire ar the information desk of their chosen accommodation.
