'Cards only' TVM but wish not to use card.

[bnm]

If I pitch up at an umanned station with debit/credt card(s) and sufficient cash for my journey where a TVM is in 'Card Only' mode, can I legitimately board without a ticket because I choose not to use my card(s), say because I am close to my credit limit and don't wish to get even closer to it. Or using my debit card will make me overdrawn, incurring interest if an authorised OD or charges if unauthorised?

What's the likelihood of being chinged?

 

[yorkie]

Yes, you are allowed to pay by cash.

If they attempt to 'ching' you by charging full fare, simply explain that no issuing facilities were available for this payment type.

It is certainly not compulsory to have/use a debit/credit card when travelling by rail. If you wish to pay by cash that's fine.

 

[CarterUSM]

If I pitch up at an umanned station with debit/credt card(s) and sufficient cash for my journey where a TVM is in 'Card Only' mode, can I legitimately board without a ticket because I choose not to use my card(s), say because I am close to my credit limit and don't wish to get even closer to it. Or using my debit card will make me overdrawn, incurring interest if an authorised OD or charges if unauthorised?

What's the likelihood of being chinged?

ScotRail recently relaxed their 'buy before you board' policy at the vast majority of their stations with TVM's due to them now only accepting cards. YOU have the choice of payment method, which is a basic right in anyones book.

 

[nedchester]

ScotRail recently relaxed their 'buy before you board' policy at the vast majority of their stations with TVM's due to them now only accepting cards. YOU have the choice of payment method, which is a basic right in anyones book.

I assume the same applies when the TVM won't take cards and only cash and you have no cash?

 

[Bill Badger]

ScotRail recently relaxed their 'buy before you board' policy at the vast majority of their stations with TVM's due to them now only accepting cards. YOU have the choice of payment method, which is a basic right in anyones book.

Perhaps FGW should do the same! They now only accept cards at Farnborough North despite the station still being plastered with Penalty Fare notices.

To be fair, the guards are always willing to sell the full range of tickets on board.

 

[CarterUSM]

I assume the same applies when the TVM won't take cards and only cash and you have no cash?

That used to be the case, when there was still a cash facility for the TVM's, although with it having been mostly withdrawn it's a moot point.