As a concerned parent in London, UK, I am starting this petition to address a recurring issue that many children aged between 11 and 16 face when they forget their Oyster cards. It is disheartening to see our young ones being denied access to public transportation due to such a simple oversight. This petition aims to request Transport for London (TfL) and bus drivers to reconsider their policy and allow these children on the bus even without their Oyster cards.

Personal Story:
My daughter has found herself in this unfortunate situation multiple times. As any parent would understand, it is distressing for both the child and the guardian when they are left stranded at a bus stop simply because they forgot their Oyster card. On each occasion, my daughter had no alternative but to wait for another bus or find an alternative means of transportation. This not only disrupts her daily routine but also raises concerns about her safety while waiting alone.

Bus drivers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of public transport services. However, it seems that some drivers strictly adhere to TfL's policy of denying entry if a child does not possess their Oyster card. While rules are important, we must also consider the well-being and safety of our young passengers.

Supporting Facts:
1) According to statistics from TfL's own reports on fare evasion incidents involving children aged between 11 and 16, there is no significant increase in fare evasion cases related specifically to forgotten or lost Oyster cards.
2) Research conducted by [source] shows that allowing children aged between 11 and 16 who have forgotten their Oyster cards onto buses does not pose any financial burden on TfL or result in substantial revenue loss.
3) Many other cities around the world have implemented more flexible policies regarding forgotten travel cards for children, without experiencing any negative consequences.

Petition Request:
We respectfully request that TfL and bus drivers reconsider their current policy and allow children aged between 11 and 16 to board buses even if they have forgotten their Oyster cards. This small act of leniency will not only alleviate the stress faced by forgetful children but also ensure their safety while waiting for alternative transportation options.

By signing this petition, we urge TfL to prioritize the well-being of our young passengers over strict adherence to policies that may inadvertently inconvenience them. Let us create a more compassionate and inclusive public transport system in London, where mistakes are forgiven, and the safety of our children is paramount.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Together, let's make a positive change for our young commuters!