When you say 'contactless' do you mean using a bank card or device, or do you mean using Oyster. Are you aware that you can use contactless PAYG from Maidenhead and thus not have to touch out and in at Ealing Broadway?
I use my phone loaded with my bank card for the central line portion of my journey.
A peak paper ticket return from Maidenhead to Ealing Broadway with my 16-25 Railcard is currently £12.40, and then the tube to White City (my destination) is £1.70 each way (off peak), making total cost £15.80.
Using contactless all the way from Maidenhead to White City peak is £12.80, and off peak on the way home is £6.60, making total journey cost £19.40.
That's a £3.60 saving per day which adds up. The paper ticket was previously even cheaper, making even more savings.
Sometimes if I'm in a rush I do tap all the way, but when they removed the yellow reader on the central line platform it did somewhat feel like they were trying to force me into going fully contactless, which is ultimately a slightly more expensive journey.
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Yes, you can use a pink reader to enter, but not to exit - so the right way round for you!
If you don't know of it
https://oysterfares.com/ is a treasure trove of useful information.
That's great news, will save me a bit of time each day. Thanks for your response, will check out the link you provided.
Either way I won't be using the reader tomorrow that's for sure!