TfL Restarts Student and Care Leaver Oyster Card Applications After Cyber Attack
Transport for London (TfL) has reopened applications for key Oyster photocards following a major cyber security breach that forced a shutdown in September. The application site went offline on September 1 after a “highly sophisticated” cyber attack, but TfL confirms services are now coming back online.
Cyber Security Breach Sparks Emergency Response
The breach forced a pause on applications for the 18+ Student, 18-25 Care Leaver, and Apprentice Oyster photocards. TfL worked closely with the National Crime Agency, National Cyber Security Centre, and the Information Commissioner’s Office to secure customer data and restore services safely.
TfL Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance said: “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.”
Applications Resume as Customers Eye Refunds
Starting November 4, TfL resumed processing applications for the 18+ Student, 18-25 Care Leaver, and Apprentice Oyster photocards. The 18+ Student photocard offers a 30% discount on adult travel cards, easing the pain of rising travel costs for many students.
Shashi Verma, TfL’s Chief Technology Officer, added: “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.” TfL will also contact affected customers about claiming refunds for travel expenses incurred during the outage.
Students Welcome the Move Amid Cost of Living Crisis
Goksu Danaci, President of the Students’ Union at University College London (UCL), welcomed the reopening. “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.”
More Oyster Card Applications to Reopen Soon
Later this month, TfL plans to resume applications for other Oyster concessions, including the 60+ Oyster and Zip Oyster cards for children aged 5-16. Expired 5-10 and 11-15 Zip Oyster photocards will remain valid until December 31, 2024, while the application process is phased in.
For the latest updates, customers should check the TfL website.
