Travel for 10/11 year old in London

[Mandzi34]

I am looking at getting DS a zip card so that he can travel alone in and around London. The issue I have is that he's currently 10 but he's 11 at the end of August so I'll need to buy another one at that stage. He won't be travelling much alone before he starts school in Sept so just the odd bus journey. Last time he went on the bus I just swiped my Oyster Card and then got off the bus and off he went.

Should I just give him my Oyster Card for the odd trip until I get him a zip card at 11?

yes :)

Thank you!

But, if you give him your Oyster to use, you will be charged for each bus journey (about £1.50). If you get him a zip Oyster card it will cost you £10 (then obviously £10 to get the 11-15 one anyway), will he use more than £10 of bus/tube fares before August?

Sorry, because a child using a zip card on the bus travels for free.

Its now £15 for a zip card, just paid it at post office (as passport has expired)

I would give them a call about this as there must be loads of kids in this situation!

Yes AuditAngel - I had thought about that but I can't see him using more than £10-£15 as it's only for the odd trip at this stage.

Maxtrue - thanks. Do I get the number from the TFL website?

We got the one for pre 11 year olds, but that was when our DS was 9 as he was so tall people thought he was older and so should have one.

If he's with you though, just tell them he's only 10 and they'll let you through.

All these questions all this discussion, expecting people to find whereabouts of phone numbers etc etc cos you might spend a tenner??!!

Come on, life's too short...

Hi OP, for how you've described the usage of TfL I would definitely recommend only applying for the 11 plus zip card for use from Sept, and give him your card for the ad hoc journeys alone or passing free through the disabled barrier with the adult when using tube/or free on buses between now and Sept as Traalaa has said.

The TfL website and general call line can be problematic, they've had loads of technical problems these last 12 months (and blame other departments for the errors) so I'd avoid doing this twice, as the upgrade will not be semless! Also, set up the auto top up for use from Sept as it minimises your child getting caught with no funds on card.

seamless...sorry

ah SAHD, it's all part of the build up of letting go of the little ones, the monetary outlay is just a smoke screen (I'd like to think!)

i thought it was £10 for the under 11 one and £15 for the 11+ - as you were

Thanks all.

SAHDthatsall - I was just looking for advice!!!!