Whilst watching an article on the news...

[royalmarriage]

...about the Oyster card, I found myself pondering - who the heck came up with that name, and why? The relevant Wikipedia entry gives some info, but it still seems like a bizarre name for a travel card, and I'm not sure if the reasoning behind it stands up - although yes, I suppose "the world's your oyster" kind of makes sense (or would if national rail lines into London would allow use of the card...)

Hey ho.

David.

Comments

[heykidbiteme.livejournal.com]

You know, I totally wondered about that while I was visiting. But it totally made me feel more like a local!

[eh-eh-ehh.livejournal.com]

I always theorised that it was because the wallets open up like clamshells. Then again, I'm a bit strange...

[davidbrider.livejournal.com]

Strange is good. And yes, that explanation makes sense. Except...if the wallets open up like shells, then shouldn't the things inside be Pearl Cards instead of Oyster Cards?

Oh heck, maybe I'm not meant to think about it this much...

*g*

David.

[pinkamethyst.livejournal.com]

I've...never thought about it. I've had one since I was eleven or something (whenever they were first introduced for kids) and it's just never occured to me. They are brilliant, though. My Oyster is the one thing I think I'd be genuinely lost without!

[zoefruitcake.livejournal.com]

I assumed it was 'the world is your oyster' and that was mentioned on that entry