Paying aupair's travel.. AIBU??

Well, it is hers to save in a way as it's an expense being reimbursed that's not being incurred - but frankly, I think it's mad. Just pay the AP for the return trips and leave it to her whether she walks or gets the bus.

cafecito that probably wouldn't be fair because sometimes the AP has to do the drop off/collections and sometimes she doesn't. All the OP needs to do is give the OP X times return trip amounts depending on how many times the AP has had to do the drop offs/collections. It's really not difficult - it's just the OP is trying to save money that isn't hers to save really.

if it has a regular pass why on earth would you need to check it. just forget about it. she's not using the money for other purposes - it's on the oyster, so no dishonesty there and nothing to stress over

But what difference does it make to you if she walks or not???????????

You are prepared to pay the return bus fare - just pay it. Let her decide if she wants to get the bus or save the money. It makes NO difference to you!

What do you do for a job?

and I would ensure she has her own oyster card - and do a regular weekly bus pass on it if possible.

I would just put a set amount of money every week on the oyster card

Surely you have better things to do with your time than scrutinise the Oyster card to check each and every trip she may or may not have made on the bus when you'd be happy to pay it if she had taken the bus??

cockatoo - but why will you say something? What harm is she doing? You would be happy to pay it if she was sitting on the bus - so why not just pay her for the return trip whenever she has to drop or collect the kids? Why not let her choose to walk and save the £1.40. It makes no difference to you if she is sitting on the bus or walking does it?!

Perhaps she's only walking when she's missed the bus, or has to wait ages for the next one.

chatty - RTT - Just an idea.

Ummm...buy her an oyster (registered under you)... Top up pay as you go. You can log on to tfl and check the journeys she is making. Tell her to top it up and bring you receipt for reimbursement- then go over the journeys made with her and figure out exactly what you are liable for...personal journeys can be her own expense no? Just an idea

I know what you mean about online topping up if you mostly use buses - I top mine up with cash at a local shop for that reason.

I don't think you can ask her to top up out of her own money and then reimburse her, but could you give her cash and then ask her to top up that day and give you the receipt? Might give you more accuracy in watching her expenses.

I think for a few quid it's sort of not worth the hassle, but if you're really watching money, and she's doing it daily, it's £8 a week. Though, as others have said, she might just decide to take the bus instead of walk, because that's how she'll get free travel in the evenings.

If you like her and trust her.....maybe its simpler to see this as a little 'bonus' and her choice. Its unlikely that she's deliberately trying to steal from you isn't it! We have a full time Nanny and I have learnt to pick my battles wisely!! It wouldn't be worth creating bad feeling and risking the relationship you have with her....

Oh yeah what herrena said.

Oh okay so the problem is she is potentially using your money for her own journeys. How much does that add up to? TBH I would just give her an allowance for number of work journeys then leave it up to her. Providing she's not forcing the kids to walk inappropriately I would just figure if age wants to save up £2 or however much it is by walking in the rain so be it. It's not like she's costing you extra by walking - it's money you would be paying if you were employing a differenr non walking au pair or doing the journey yourself & it would be very odd to insist she walks if you don't yourself.

I really think you are being very u reasonable about this.

You are happy (and obliged) to pay her for the journey. She would rather have the £1.40 / £2.80 and walk.

If you are going to be a dick about it she won't bother walking and you will pay it anyway.

As long as she's not making the kids walk when your paying I really think you are being a bit crazy

You are only talking about a few pounds and if you make a fuss it could be awkward and she might just bus it all the time then so you will be no better off. I don't think it's theft, it is like getting luncheon vouchers and using them for a loaf to take home. It is her travel allowance in her eyes and she is trying to save this tiny amount. Let it go IMO. Poor kid away from home keeping everything together for you and you are going to hound her for a couple of pounds.

x-posted with you there cockatoo

Personally I would just pay a weekly bus ticket on the oyster. Surely by the time she takes children to and from school, and others places after like parks/ party's/ supermarket/ friends houses it would work out the same as paying per journey. And during the holidays she can take the children out more as no worries about extra cost.

If any of this applies;

Live in a London borough
And are 18 to 60 years old
And get Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or have been getting Jobseeker's Allowance for at least 13 weeks
And are not getting any other free or discount travel such as a Freedom Pass or Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card

Then a weekly pass is £9.80. If not £19 I think