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Travelling around London, you’ve probably noticed some tube stations have pink Oyster card readers. The funny thing is that most Londoners don’t know why they’re there, or how to use them. Because these pink readers haven’t just had a cute makeover, but can actually make your journey cheaper – if used correctly.
Yellow Oyster readers are used for tapping in and out, but what are the pink ones – officially called route validators – for? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why does the tube have pink card readers?
The pink readers are used to track where you’ve been on your journey. If you’re not travelling via Zone 1, it’s a good idea to tap them, as you will be charged less overall for your trip.
If you don’t tap the pink reader TfL will assume you have travelled through Zone 1 and will charge you the higher fare.
Make sure never to touch a pink machine at the end of your journey, as this could result in being charged more incorrectly.
Where are the pink readers on the London Underground and Overground?
Pink card readers are always found when changing strains; they will be on, or in between the platforms, at the following stations:
- Blackhorse Road
- Canada Water
- Clapham Junction
- Gospel Oak
- Gunnersbury
- Hackney Central/Hackney Downs
- Highbury & Islington
- Kensington (Olympia)
- Rayners Lane
- Richmond
- Stratford
- Surrey Quays
- West Brompton
- Whitechapel
- Willesden Junction
- Wimbledon
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