Allow Everyone to Benefit from Oystercards - Caroline Pidgeon

6.00.00pm GMT Fri 9th Jan 2009

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesperson,commenting on today's announcement that passengers will be able to use their Oyster cards on almost all London's rail network by the end of the summer said:

"Londoners have had to wait far too long to use "pay-as-you-go" Oystercards at national rail stations.

"While it's good news most of us will be able to use them by the end of the summer it is just scandalous that South West Trains are still holding commuters to ransom. Passengers from the Kingston area are already overcharged because of unfair zoning, yet they have to put up with further delays on use of Oystercards."

"South West Trains should fall into line with the other Train Operating Companies and ensure that the full benefits of Oystercards are available to all Londoners. The time for excuses has long passed."