Caught on bus with oyster card that had insufficient money on: what to do?

Question

I was caught for boarding london bus with an oyster card with insufficient money. I had 2 oyster cards at that time, but I mistakenly took the one with not enough money and left the one with money at home. I thought I had the right one with me.

The 25 bus was so packed that day, so I didn't notice whether the green or red light appeared after I swiped it. When the inspector came on, he took my card for having no enough money. And I got a letter saying that the incident is being investigated, and that I may be prosecuted. What should I do? Is there any way I can prevent this to go as far as prosecution? Should I contact TFL? I have always swiped my card. That day was a mistake I really regret.

to answerers 'spike' and 'charlotte r', your suggestion was good. But I later lost the other card, the one you suggested I should present as evidence. I'm very forgetful. That's why I decided to own 2 oyster cards in the first place. But, thanks for your answers still.

to americans, haha. that's funny.

Answer 1

Do not worry if this was the first time they will issue you with a warning and possibly a charge of £ 10.00, they won't prosecute not worth it. You could write to TFL and explain but I would wait to see, chances are you may not hear anything at all

Answer 2

You should have given them a fake name and address. I have done this when I was getting a train from Luton to London and had no ticket because the ticket machine and office was closed. But it's too late now. I suggest that you write to TFL with the above information. It was an easy mistake to make. I'm sure they will understand.
I'm sorry but I had to laugh at the Americans thinking we paid for buses with oysters. FYI it's similar to your Metro card.

Answer 3

To use one without enough credit is silly, to lose the other one is even more so.

I suggest you wait until the next letter arrives, DO NOT ignore it.

In the meantime get another card and put some credit on it and use it properly, that way you can show that you are generally a law abiding citizen

Answer 4

Just explain what happened to them and show them the card you had with sufficient money on it. They'll know from the dates that you did have a valid one at the time of the incident so this should confirm what you have told them.
P.S. Americans get off of the UK page if you're going to **** about.

Answer 5

I'm guessing because I don't known London law. I'm assuming it is simply a citation that requires you to pay a fine. I would imagine It is no worse then a traffic ticket.

Where I live you can contest a ticket by pleading guilty with an explanation. f you want to explain the situation to a judge you should call the court with jurisdiction and ask them your options.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

if you still have card you forgot take it to the depot or head office whatever, phone those involved and ask what you should do it probably happens quite often. Don't just ignore though it will make it worse...

Answer 7

This doesnt sound like a very harsh crime, in fact not a crime at all. Be agreeable, go along with them and it will probably be alright. I hope so. Good luck.

Answer 8

I don't mean to sound stupid but i probably do but what is a oyster card ?

Answer 9

truth always works best for me ...tell em the truth...they will either believe ya or not...then save up your money and buy a car/bike/motor-cycle/etc. and to heck with the buses

Answer 10

You pay with Oysters in England?