Transport for London (TfL) has announced the reopening of applications for 18+ Student, 18-25 Care Leaver, and Apprentice Oyster photocards following a major cyber security incident. The application website was taken offline on September 1 in response to a “highly sophisticated” cyber attack, but TfL now reports that services are being gradually restored.
The breach, which led TfL to temporarily suspend photocard applications, was addressed with the assistance of the National Crime Agency, the National Cyber Security Centre, and notification to the Information Commissioner’s Office. These measures were aimed at safeguarding customer and network data.
TfL Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance praised the organization’s response, saying, “TfL has been working incredibly hard around the clock to restore the services which had to be temporarily taken offline while it responded to a highly sophisticated cyber-attack. The Mayor and I commend TfL on its response, which has kept London moving and avoided the consequences of the attack being even worse.
On November 4, TfL began accepting applications for the 18+ Student, 18-25 Care Leaver, and Apprentice Oyster photo cards. The 18+ Student photocard provides a 30% discount on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets for eligible students, helping alleviate some of the financial strain associated with travel costs.
Shashi Verma, TfL’s Chief Technology Officer, expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, “We’re now pleased that we can restart processing Oyster photocard applications for students and will also work to ensure that other photocard applications can start being processed as quickly as possible.” Verma also indicated that TfL will contact customers about claiming refunds for additional travel costs incurred during the application downtime.
Goksu Danaci, President of the Students’ Union at University College London (UCL), welcomed the resumption of services. “The 18+ Student Oyster is a vital initiative for our students, and we’re relieved this issue, caused by a recent cyber attack, is coming to an end,” Danaci said. “Students have had a difficult start to the academic year with continuing cost of living pressures, and travel costs are a large part of a student’s daily expense.”
In addition to reopening current applications, TfL plans to accept applications for other Oyster concessions, including the 60+ Oyster and Zip Oyster photocards for children aged 5-16, later this month. Expired 5-10 and 11-15 Zip Oyster photocards will remain valid until December 31, 2024, as the application process is phased.
For updates and further information on applications, customers are encouraged to check the TfL website.
