Oyster Extension Permits

Frequently Asked Questions:

What was an Oyster Extension Permit?

Oyster Extension Permits (OEPs) were required by Oyster Travelcard holders who wished to make a journey from a station within the zones covered by their Oyster Travelcard to a National Rail destination beyond their ticket's validity area and intended to use Oyster pay as you go credit to cover the extension journey. It could only be used for journeys that remained wholly within the Oyster pay as you go area. Oyster Extension Permits needed to be set either at a ticket office or self service ticket machine, prior to departure.

OEPs withdrawn from 22 May 2011

From 22 May 2011, you will no longer need to set an Oyster Extension Permit to use Oyster pay as you go to travel beyond the validity of your Travelcard.

From 22 May 2011, what do I do instead?

Before travelling, check that you have sufficient pay as you go credit on your Oyster card to pay for your intended extension fare. If you intend making a return journey, you may wish to factor in the charge for your return extension as well, in order to avoid the need for another top up before you return.

Touch in and out at the start and end of your journey and the system will automatically debit your Oyster card with the correct extension fare.

Remember that you are not permitted to travel unless you have sufficient pay as you go credit to pay the extension fare. If your card has a negative balance, you will not be allowed to use Oyster pay as you go (or even use your Oyster Travelcard) until you have topped up to settle the negative balance. You may wish to consider registering for Auto Top-up. This will ensure your card is automatically topped up with credit to pay as you go whenever your balance drops below £8. To find out more go to www.tfl.gov.uk

What happens if I do not touch in and out?

You may be liable for a maximum Oyster fare, a penalty fare or even prosecution.

If I make an extension journey that results in my pay as you go balance going negative, what should I do before making the return journey?

You can either top up your card to a level that covers both the negative balance and return extension journey charge or buy a paper extension ticket, but please note that cash fares are more expensive than pay as you go. 

I think I have been overcharged. What should I do?

If you believe that you have been charged an incorrect fare, or have any questions relating to how the fare is calculated, please contact the Oyster help line on 0845 330 9876.