Soccer ticket 'blocked Oyster card' - News - Evening Standard
       

Soccer ticket 'blocked Oyster card'

A passenger is being taken to court accused of trying to evade a 90p Oyster card fare on a bendy bus.

Lee McCarthy branded Transport for London's decision to prosecute "ridiculous". The case is set to cost taxpayers more than £5,000.

Mr McCarthy, 30, of Kensal Rise, had more than £10 on his pre-pay Oyster card as he got on the No 18 in Harrow Road in January. He said he swiped the card and was unaware it had not scanned properly.

He believes the card was "blocked" from scanning by his Arsenal smartcard season ticket, which was in the same wallet.

When, in front of inspectors, he removed the season ticket, the Oyster card successfully deducted the fare, he said.

He must appear at Wimbledon magistrates court in August.

"I am a law-abiding citizen, not a fare dodger. It's a joke," he said.

Comments

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity