To avoid TfL overcharges, always use the same card or device to touch in and out, ensuring you don't "card clash" by keeping your payment method separate from others. Touch out on the yellow reader at every station—even with open gates—but only touch in on buses/trams. Register your card on the TfL website to track journeys, easily claim refunds for missed taps, and monitor daily/weekly capping.
When you use contactless or Oyster to pay as you go, there is a maximum amount of time that you can spend making a single journey on Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail. If you spend longer than the maximum journey time for your journey, you could be charged 2 maximum fares.
Representation in writing
The Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will include information about making a representation (challenging the PCN) and how long you've got to do it. See on which grounds you can make a representation. If you think the PCN has been issued incorrectly, you can challenge it by making a representation online or in writing.
Tfl says it is also increasing the number of on-train checks. It says its enforcement teams have completed over 2.8 million checks on board Tubes and trains. It also uses a combination of data, travel pattern analysis and CCTV to identify persistent evaders.
Contrary to the many reports that staff just stand by and do nothing, often they are recording the time and description of the person, which is then fed back to the evasion team. The main reason they don't intervene is to avoid ending up in hospital.
However, pay as you go is usually cheaper. Find the price for a single journey using our single fare finder. If you make multiple rail journeys, or a mixture of rail, bus and tram journeys in one day,daily capping with pay as you go is better value than buying a Day Travelcard in London.
You'll need to contact the operator of your other contactless card to organise a separate refund. It might be easier for you to contact TfL, as they'll be able to organise refunds to both cards. Plus, if you have a TfL online account, you can apply for a refund there.
“Fare evasion is a criminal offence that could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record.” From 2024 to 2025, 63,301 penalty fares were issued for fare evasion on the TfL network, while only 13,823 successful prosecutions were issued, according to TfL data.
You may be eligible for a refund if your journey was delayed for 15 minutes or more.
You may only appeal to the adjudicator if you have first made formal representations to Transport for London (TfL) and have received from them a 'Notice of Rejection'. With this 'Notice of Rejection' TfL must send you a 'Notice of Appeal. ' To appeal to the adjudicator you should complete the Notice of Appeal.
If you don't recognise the TfL payment, or you've been charged an incorrect amount. Speak to TfL for a refund if you've been incorrectly charged – for example, you were charged a maximum fare because you touched in with one card and touched out with another. You can call them on 0343 222 1234.
A single maximum fare is:
Penalty Fares and Unpaid Fare Notices are issued to people who are unable to present a valid ticket to travel when requested. Passengers have the right to appeal against these notices if they believe they were issued incorrectly or unfairly.
The reason for rejecting a service delay refund is not recorded centrally by specific rejection reason, however the main rejection reasons include: The journey was delayed for less than 15 minutes (London Underground & DLR) or less than 30 minutes (London Overground or Elizabeth Line)
Court proceedings
If Transport for London believes that you have committed a criminal offence, we may decide to prosecute you. We will send you a Single Justice Procedure Notice or a Postal Requisition.
TfL's role is to implement the Mayor's transport strategy and manage transport services across the capital, for which the Mayor has responsibility. It is directed by a management board whose members are chosen for their understanding of transport matters and appointed by the Mayor of London.
If you are convicted of fare evasion under Regulation of Railways Act 1889, this conviction will appear on standard or enhanced DBS checks for up to 11 years. The conviction will also be stored on the Police National Computer until you are 100 years old.
If you don't touch in and out, we cannot tell where you've travelled from or to, so your journey will be incomplete. As we cannot work out the right fare for your journey, we'll charge you a maximum fare.
If you notice your card was accidentally swiped twice, for example, show the retailer or service provider the receipt, as well as your credit card statement. For online purchases, call or email the vendor and send copies of the relevant documents. In many cases, the merchant can cancel or reverse the charge.
How much is a penalty fare? It's £100. This is reduced to £50 if you pay within 21 days.
Free and discounted travel
It depends on your circumstances and preferences. Pay as you go with contactless and pay as you go with Oyster usually cost the same.