Why is an 'oyster' card so named?

Question

London transport card.

The theory has been voiced that it is because with it, the world (well, London) is your oyster. Anyone got any ideas?

Answer 1

as a travel card, it seems logical it relates to the phrase " the world is your oyster! "

:-)

Answer 2

The Oyster brand name was agreed after a lengthy period of research managed by TranSys, the company contracted to deliver the ticketing system in London, and agreed by Transport for London. A number of alternative names were considered; however, Oyster was chosen as a fresh approach that was not directly linked to transport, ticketing or London. According to Andrew McCrum, now of Appella brand name consultants, who was brought in to find a name by Saatchi and Saatchi Design (in turn contracted by TranSys), Oyster was conceived and subsequently promoted because of the metaphorical implications of security and value in the component meanings of the hard bivalve shell and the concealed pearl. Its associations with London through Thames estuary oyster beds and the popular idiom 'the world is your oyster' were also significant factors in its selection as was the uniqueness of the word Oyster.

Answer 3

Oyster was conceived and subsequently promoted because of the metaphorical implications of security and value in the component meanings of the hard bivalve shell and the concealed pearl. Its associations with London through Thames estuary oyster beds and the popular idiom 'the world is your oyster' were also significant factors in its selection as was the uniqueness of the word Oyster.

Answer 4

yet you got it, london is your oyster, [just its an oyster that aint producing any pearls] or beacuse they are expensive and fake ones are made easily

Answer 5

My theory is that it looks like an oyster - you know when you have a pass holder (the shell) and you open it and there is the oyster (the actual card).  I like your theory. Good question.

Answer 6

Because when it's in the wallet it opens and closes like an oyster

Because it's precious (you don't want to be stranded)

Because London's your oyster

Because it tastes faintly of fish (oh no - not that one)

Answer 7

because oysters are expensive.............

Answer 8

Yep, the world is your oyster, as the saying goes.

There's a very similar card in HK which works very well, I'm not sure if the same company brought the technology to London but over there it's known as an Octopus card, so maybe they wanted to keep the acquatic theme going!