London commuters get free ride due to technical glitch

Staff opened barriers at rail and tube stations after the card `reader` machines used by commuters to register their journeys failed.

London: Thousands of passengers using London`s train, buses and Underground system travelled for free on Saturday after a technical glitch brought down its Oyster card network.

Staff opened barriers at rail and tube stations and bus drivers waved on passengers after the card `reader` machines used by commuters to register their journeys failed.

"We`re experiencing technical issues with our Oyster Card readers this morning where customers are unable to touch in or out," said a message on Transport for London`s official Twitter page.

"We`re working on a fix and customers are being allowed to travel across Tube/Bus/Rail networks," it added.