Public transport

Getting about in London using public transport is easy. If you're not sure of your route, use TfL’s Journey Planner at www.tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner.

So, what’s good about using public transport?

• It helps you to become more independent and confident
• Travel on buses and trams for under 16’s is free!
• It’s ideal for covering large distances
• It’s brilliant if you’ve lots to carry
• It’s better for the environment than car journeys
• And it doesn’t matter so much about the weather!

Remember to touch in and out!

When travelling on buses and trams you must always touch in on the yellow reader at the start of your journey and get a green light.  On the Tube, DLR and London Overground services, you must always touch in on the yellow reader at the start of your journey and touch out at the end- again getting a green light.  If you don’t, you may pay more than you need to, your free travel concession may be withdrawn, or you may be issued with a Penalty Fare.

Applying for an 11-15 Zip Oyster Photocard

A Zip Oyster photocard allows you to use the bus, Tube, tram, DLR and London Overground services without having to get a ticket each time you travel.

As you’re under 16, a Zip Oyster photocard entitles you to travel for free on buses and trams and at a reduced rate on the Tube, DLR, London Overground and on most National Rail services.

You can get an application form by downloading a copy from https://photocard.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/showLogon.do, from your local Post Office or by calling the Oyster helpline on 0845 330 9876 (but please ask permission from whoever pays the bill first).

Once you’ve filled in the form take it to the Post Office along with either a valid passport, an ID card from a European Economic Area (EEA) country or a birth certificate and a passport size photo.  Your card could take up to 2 weeks to arrive, so make sure to apply in time!