The development of the Oyster card was discussed at the rail "summit" meeting on 11 March, staged by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The "summit" involved the Association of Train Operating Companies as well as representatives of train companies operating in and around the London area.

At the meeting it was confirmed that Oyster extension permits would no longer be required after the end of May.

The train companies introduced the permits in January 2010 when Oyster was extended to National Rail services in London. Passengers using an Oyster Travelcard who wanted to travel outside their Travelcard zones had to load an OEP on to their Oyster to indicate their intention to travel beyond and use the pay-as-you-go credit on their card.

The requirement put unnecessary pressure on ticket offices and ticket machines. This was unlike making the same sort of snap decision to travel beyond your Travelcard zones using only TfL Tube, DLR or Overground services.

The train companies finally accepted that this "Byzantine" system was unworkable and contributed nothing to preventing fraudulent travel. But it did annoy passengers!

The train companies, having realised that Oyster pay-as-you-go is a winner are now, enthusiastic about extending it outside the Greater London area.

No details are yet available, but discussions are taking place, involving the possible extension to places such as St Albans, Slough, Guildford and Dartford.