At the news conference Tuesday, Mr. Walder spoke highly of the Oyster card but stopped short of saying he would import the program. And he did not address the issue of fare increases; in London, subway rides start at $2.60 but can rise above $20, depending on the length of the ride and the time of day.
Even a cash fare to the furthest out zone will set you back only 7 quid, or about 12 bucks. Of course pass fares are cheaper. And zone 9 stations are like 25 miles from the central city area.