TfL resumes student Oyster card applications following cyber attack

Transport for London (TfL) has started taking applications for student Oyster cards, after shutting down applications for two months, following a cyber attack.

On 1st September, around 5,000 customers, were contacted by TfL and told their details, including bank account numbers and sort codes, could have been accessed.

In a statement, the organisation said it took “immediate action,” after it identified “suspicious activity.”

It added: “TfL prioritises the security of its network and customer data, continually monitoring its systems to ensure only those authorised can gain access.”

Students were not the only people affected, with applications for 5-10, 11-16, 16+ and 60+ Oyster cards also being shut down.

On 5th September, a 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the cyber attack.

The boy, who has not yet been named, was taken into custody by the National Crime Agency on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences.

Transport for London is bringing student photocards back first, which the transport provider says will “ensure that those who are currently being financially impacted by the cyber incident are processed as quickly as possible.”

It also advised students to keep record of “any fares they feel should be refunded.”

The 18+ student photocard gets students around 30 per cent off their travelcard fees, as well as bus and tram season tickets.

Students can also add 18-25 railcards to their student oyster, for a 33 per cent discount on pay-as-you-go fares and daily fare caps for tube services, the London Overground, and National Rail.

TfL has said students unable to get an oyster card due to the site shutting down should apply for a refund of their backdated travel costs.

In a statement, it advised customers to “keep a record of any fares that they feel should be refunded.”

Photocard applications can be made here.