(20 Jul 2026, 11:01 am)deanmachine wrote And railways are 19th century tech. Just because something is new doesn't mean it's better, or becomes the only option. 

Last time I was in London I only used my iPhone to tap in and out of tube stations, it was great. But that doesn't mean that the Oyster card isn't still relevant for the residents of London. Also, guess what happens when people with just phones and no cards get on buses and their single card on their phone gets declined, they end up walking home. You can have more than one thing, and you should.

tbf TFL are doing everything to get rid of Oyster as it's not fit for purpose anymore because of the zonal issues but I get what you mean.

Personally I just think cards are confusing and over complicating things. It's another inconvenient step which puts people off using transport - who wants to mess around loading cards etc. 

Pretty much everything is going mobile these days, including season tickets at football grounds and gig tickets. There might be arguments for/against it but it is what it is really.

By all means have it as an option for those who want it, like OMNY in NYC, but it shouldn't be the primary option imo. Heck even Arriva buses accept contactless tap on/off.