The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has responded to MP Grant Shapps’ plea to extend Oyster coverage to Welwyn Hatfield.
Mr Shapps wrote to Boris Johnson on February 24 to discuss the possibility of extending the Oyster Pay As You Go (PAYG) network to WGC and Hatfield.
In a letter to Mr Shapps, Mr Johnson said: “In principle, Transport for London (TfL) is supportive of further extensions to Oyster ticketing and contactless payment.
“You will know that TfL is committed to continuing to work with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Great Northern to help deliver their requirements.
“TfL meets regularly with both DfT and Great Northern to discuss potential expansion and the challenges that would need to be addressed. TfL has yet to give be given a firm commitment from either to take this extension forward or to start the detailed business case.”
Mr Shapps said: “Many Welwyn Hatfield commuters will know how fiddly it can be travelling into London on a series of different trains and perhaps using different ticketing systems.
“I thought Boris Johnson’s reply was encouraging, but rather than let matters rest there I am partnering with my neighbouring Hertsmere colleague, Oliver Dowden MP, and we have now written to Transport for London, Minister Claire Perry at the Department for Transport and Great Northern who run our part of the service to ask them to meet with us to speed up progress.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here