The benefits of the programme are multiple in terms of streamlining travel, reducing queues, minimising cash handling, reducing the possibility of fraud by customers and cash theft by staff, and generally improving the customer experience. Having said that, the biggest benefit is the £60 million reduction in annual operating costs for TfL of the ticketing system since implementing the Oystercard.
An Oyster that’s a Diamond, London’s Contactless System
Toronto’s own equivalent the contactless Presto card is currently in trials, and may one day unify transit fares across southern Ontario. This link is for the metronauts out there.