After we raised the issue with her in December, London Assembly Member, Lib Dem Caroline Pidgeon asked London’s Mayor Boris Johnson the following question about buying Oyster cards at Wimbledon Station:

Passengers in south west London have received emails saying in part,

“Important Customer Information – Oyster card sales. From 01 January 2014, there will no longer be the option to top up an Oyster card or to purchase an Oyster season Travelcard from Wimbledon Station ticket office.”

How have you allowed this unacceptable situation to arise? What action will you take to restore Oyster top-ups and season tickets at this ticket office and the ability to buy longer Oyster Travelcards at this station?

Written response from the Mayor

Wimbledon is a South West Trains station and ticketing there is controlled by the Company subject to its franchise agreement with the DfT.

As Mayor I have no powers over South West Trains.

This decision is typical of many of the unilateral decisions the Companies take. It illustrates why the current franchise system does not serve the interests of London and why the Mayor should be given fuller control over rail services in London.

In terms of customer impact, it is however worth pointing out that:

1. The 11 self-serve ticket machines in the main ticket hall at Wimbledon will continue to allow pay as you go top ups and to sell 7 Day and Monthly Travelcards for Oyster.
2. The three ticket machines outside the ticket hall and the further 4 machines in the Centre Court shopping mall entrance will also remain.
3. There are four Oyster Ticket Stops within a few minutes walk of Wimbledon station.
4. Longer period season tickets can be bought on Oyster up to 30 days in advance from any TfL station and can also be bought on-line.