Is off peak when you tap in or out?

Peak or Off-Peak Fares: It’s All About the Tap-In

Contactless payment has revolutionized public transport, offering convenience and speed. But understanding how fares are calculated, particularly regarding peak and off-peak pricing, can be confusing. A common question arises: does the time you tap out affect the fare, or is it solely determined by the tap-in time?

The answer is clear: it’s all about the tap-in.

Contactless payment systems on public transport use the initial tap of your contactless card or device – your tap-in time – to determine the fare you’ll be charged. This means the time you leave the system, the tap-out, is irrelevant to whether you pay peak or off-peak rates. The system registers your journey’s commencement at the tap-in point, and the fare is calculated based on the pricing structure applicable at that precise moment.

This system ensures fairness and accuracy. If your journey begins during peak hours, even if you complete it during off-peak, you’ll pay the peak fare. Conversely, starting your journey during off-peak hours guarantees you the lower off-peak rate, regardless of when you tap out.

This might seem counterintuitive to some, particularly those used to systems where the entire journey time influences pricing. However, the simplicity of the tap-in-based system allows for smoother, faster transactions and eliminates any potential ambiguity about when a fare change might occur mid-journey.

Therefore, if you want to save money, carefully check the peak and off-peak times for your transport provider. Planning your journey to begin during the off-peak period will guarantee you access to the lower fare. Don’t worry about your tap-out time – it plays no role in determining your fare. Focus on that initial tap-in, and you’ll be well on your way to understanding and maximizing your public transport savings.