Dartfordians will be better connected to London life, when Oyster card readers go live at the station this weekend.

Passengers will be able to tap in from Dartford Station from Sunday (September 6), with MP Gareth Johnson hoping the Oyster zone will be rolled out further into the borough.

It should mean a more seamless journey for commuters, who can currently only use Oyster cards for part of their journey.

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Picture: Mike Pellatt

Commuter Ben Walters, from Baker Crescent, told News Shopper: "I initially thought it was going to be great.

"I work in Central and for a long time saved money by getting a return to London and sticking a fiver on my Oyster for any trips around london.

"On hearing we would be Zone 8 i was somewhat disappointed that it would be more expensive to purchase an Oyster travel card, than a regular Southeastern paper one."

The 28-year-old has calculated that an Oyster season ticket from Zone 8 would cost £288.80 a  month, whereas a paper ticket costs just £287.30.

Mr Walters added: "I was looking forward to managing all my travel off one card, which has great online support and plenty of places to get assistance.

"I think I’m going to end up keeping my paper ticket now."

Former commuter and frequent traveller Mike Pellatt, who lives at Newtown, added: "Just how useful Oyster at Dartford will be depends on the exact pricing struture."

The 60-year-old said that a predicted Zone 8 Oyster zone at Dartford could mean less queueing  and planning ahead for journeys to London.

It would stop unncecessary fines for people who believed they could already travel to Dartford on Oyster, he added.

Mr Pellatt said: "However, for 'pure' National Rail season ticket travel to London, it would seem there is no financial benefit - though some may see the added convenience and flexibility that an Oyster season gives them as having some value."

Mr Johnson said: "Getting the Oyster Card for Dartford is something I have campaigned on for a long time, so I am pleased to see it is finally arriving.

“No one is claiming it is a magic wand which will make all our rail problems disappear, but having Oyster will make travel more convenient for people using Dartford station.

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“This is the beginning of a process, which will include the introduction of smart card technology next year, and I am looking forward to seeing it rolled out further in the constituency in the near future. “

Commuter Conor Jackson agreed, saying: "It's  something that's been long overdue – although very interesting that it's not been extended to the other five stations - Stone Crossing, Ebbsfleet, Greenhithe, Swanscombe and Longfield - in Dartford.

"Hopefully it will mean more reasonable fares for journeying into London."

However, others fear that Oyster travel will mean either no financial benefit or more expensive journeys into London, for commuters currently travelling on season tickets.

The introduction comes after an agreement between Southeastern and Transport for London (TfL), which was made on September 11 last year.

A standard anytime single fare for travel to Dartford is currently £8.40, but from Sunday the new pay as you go contactless payment or Oyster single fare will be £7 in the peak (saving £1.40) and £4.00 off peak (saving £4.40).

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Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: "Integrating the fares on this route with the wider TfL network makes perfect sense and ties in with our mission to make getting around our city easy for everyone, no matter where they live.

"I'm delighted that the great people of Dartford can now benefit from contactless payments and Oyster, which offer better fares and a more convenient way to travel."

Southeastern's Commercial Director, Mike Boden added: "We're really pleased to be able to offer this service at Dartford station. The investment in this region will benefit a huge number of people and make it easier and cheaper to use our services."

Do you think the Dartford Oyster will be beneficial? Email josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk to share your views.

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