Do I need to tap off the London bus?

Tapping Off London Buses: Understanding the Contactless Payment System

London’s efficient public transport system features contactless payment for its buses and trams. The use of contactless cards or devices simplifies the payment process, eliminating the need to purchase physical tickets or carry cash. However, it’s crucial to understand the protocol regarding tapping off to avoid overpayment.

When Should You Tap Off the Bus?

Unlike other modes of transportation that require passengers to tap off upon exit, London buses do not require this step. The contactless system detects when you have left the vehicle and automatically processes the appropriate fare.

Why Not to Tap Off?

Unnecessarily tapping off when exiting a London bus can lead to overpayment. The system may register an additional fare, even if you have already tapped on when boarding. This can occur if you tap off before reaching your intended destination or tap off multiple times.

How to Pay Correctly

To ensure proper payment, follow these simple steps:

1. When boarding the bus, tap your contactless card or device on the yellow reader located near the driver.
2. The reader will beep and display a green light to confirm a successful tap-on.
3. Exit the bus as usual without tapping off.
4. The system will automatically calculate the fare based on your tap-on and deduct it from your account.

Benefits of Tapping Off Correctly

Tapping off only when necessary helps prevent overpayment and ensures an accurate fare calculation. It also contributes to the efficiency of the public transport system by reducing delays caused by unnecessary tapping off.

Remember:

• London buses do not require tapping off.
• Unnecessary tapping off can result in overpayment.
• Follow the correct contactless payment protocol to avoid any issues.