TfL photocards still unavailable after cyber attack

Some photocard users have been told to track their spending as they may be able to get a refund when the issue is fixed

Transport for London (TfL) Oyster photocards are still unavailable following a cyber attack.

About 5,000 customers were contacted by TfL saying details including their sort codes and bank account numbers could have been accessed by hackers amid the "cyber security incident" at the start of September.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested over the hack, which also included names, emails, home addresses and Oyster refund data.

TfL apologised for the disruption and said it would start reissuing photocards again "shortly", but has not indicated exactly when systems will be operational.

Photocards affected include those for children, students, care leavers, people aged over 60, apprentices and veterans.

Student photocard user Stefanie Harman told BBC London she was among those who had been affected by the cyber attack and she had not been able to apply for a new photocard.

The 24-year-old, who is studying for a master's degree, said the situation was costing her an extra £50 per month - although she has kept her receipts for later refunds.

Stefanie Harman currently has to buy full price travel cards which she said was over-stretching her student budget

"What angers me is that there has been almost radio silence around the topic and absolutely no alternatives have been offered to students," she said.

"To add to irritation, they (TfL) state they may be able to offer a refund, which I find shocking. It should be a guarantee."

Ms Harman said the lack of updates was "unacceptable" in her view, and that while she was able to afford to pay for a travelcard "many students can't and are priced out of something so essential, public transport".

TfL said photocards for those aged five to 15 that may have expired since September would still be accepted if shown to staff until the end of this year.

Student and care leaver Oyster card users are advised to keep track of their fares, and TfL says it intends to refund customers for additional travel costs incurred once the issue is fixed.

The transport authority added it was unable to process yearly address checks for over 60s but added their photocards would keep working as normal.