Short faring

[scorpio1904]

Hi I was caught short-faring on 10th Nov from Liverpool Street - Twyford.

I had a ticket ffrom Liverpool street to London Paddington only.

I was questioned in the train near Maidenhead and was told that I'll receive a letter from TFL. I regret all of this and wish I never done it. So stupid over a couple saving a couple of pounds.

I know I’ve done it up to about 13 times total I summed it up just now.

I have now received a letter, which I have attached. Please help and any advise would be appreciated to respond to this letter.

 

[bobjones555]

You can view your personal information still in the top left of the photo you have uploaded, so I'd recommend reuploading with them fully redacted

 

[scorpio1904]

You can view your personal information still in the top left of the photo you have uploaded, so I'd recommend reuploading with them fully redacted

Thank you. I have reuploaded.

 

[JW4]

Hi I was caught short-faring on 10th Nov from Liverpool Street - Twyford.

I had a ticket ffrom Liverpool street to London Paddington only.

I was questioned in the train near Maidenhead and was told that I'll receive a letter from TFL. I regret all of this and wish I never done it. So stupid over a couple saving a couple of pounds.

I know I’ve done it up to about 13 times total I summed it up just now.

I have now received a letter, which I have attached. Please help and any advise would be appreciated to respond to this letter.

Were you unable to use contactless for the journey?

 

[Titfield]

Repeating the advice that @Hadders has provided in other cases involving TfL.

Transport for London take fare evasion seriously and prosecution in the Magistrates Court is almost always the outcome.

As you now know they will send you a Verification Letter asking you to confirm what happened and give any mitigating factors you want them to take into consideration when deciding how to proceed. It is important that you engage with and reply to this letter as failure to do so will mean the issue will be escalated without giving you any further opportunity to respond prior to court action.

I suggest you include the following in your reply:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and TfL's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

TfL do not normally offer court of court settlements. If you plead guilty, or are found guilty by the court then you can expect to have to pay:

- A fine based on your weekly income
- A surcharge of 40% of the value of the fine
- A contribution towards TfL's costs in bringing the case to court
- Compensation to TfL for the fares avoided

Here's a link to TfL's Revenue Enforcement and Prosecutions Policy which I suggest you take a look at:

https://tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/revenue-enforcement-and-prosecutions-policy.pdf

If you provide a draft of your letter it can be reviewed on here and any appropriate guidance or advice given.

You may wish to consult a solicitor as on occasion solicitors have been successful in persuading TfL to accept an out of court settlement (rather than prosecuting) but this appears to have been in a small minority of cases. You may wish to weigh up the additional cost of a solicitor (and likelihood of success) versus the implications of being convicted.

EDIT

Being convicted means you will have a criminal record. The conviction will be spent either immediately or after a year.

The conviction may have implications for your employment (or future employment) if you work in a regulated business for example financial services or nursing. Some professions require you to declare convictions when sustained. A failure to do so can be viewed as an aggravating factor in any action taken by the regulator or employer against you for sustaining a conviction. Check if this applies to you.

For non regulated businesses employers etc are likely to be interested only in whether it's part of a pattern of misbehaviour or poor judgement but again it may be a condition of employment that convictions are declared when sustained. If you are a union member you may wish to discuss this with your Union representative.

Finally a conviction may have implications for certain products you purchase e.g. car insurance, household insurance etc. Again always check to see if this affects you and take the appropriate action.

 

[scorpio1904]

I always use trainline to purchase my tickets from London Paddington to London Liverpool street (return) and not contact less, whereas I board the elizabeth line from Twyford as there are no gates to the platform. And as I said I admit I was doing this for 13 instances in total and this was the 13th instant when I got caught. I was stupid to be influenced by someone already doing this way. I have realized my mistake and have started purchasing the correct ticket from now on. I also have a good history of correct tickets purchased before these 13 instances.

 

[Titfield]

I always use trainline to purchase my tickets from London Paddington to London Liverpool street (return) and not contact less, whereas I board the elizabeth line from Twyford as there are no gates to the platform. And as I said I admit I was doing this for 13 instances in total and this was the 13th instant when I got caught. I was stupid to be influenced by someone already doing this way. I have realized my mistake and have started purchasing the correct ticket from now on. I also have a good history of correct tickets purchased before these 13 instances.

Without wishing to appear judgemental in anyway, the reality is that most "fare evaders" continue to do so until caught.

As I advised earlier please upload a draft response so that the forum members can review and may suggest amendments etc.

 

[AlterEgo]

TfL have been known to settle for elementary short faring so hope isn’t completely lost in this case.

 

[Haywain]

Were you unable to use contactless for the journey?

The OP appears to have been unwilling to do so, which is why they will have paid more than necessary for the segment between Paddington and Liverpool Street. TfL will have noted this.

 

[scorpio1904]

Without wishing to appear judgemental in anyway, the reality is that most "fare evaders" continue to do so until caught.

As I advised earlier please upload a draft response so that the forum members can review and may suggest amendments etc.

Thank you for helping review the draft. Also, just to confirm the letter that I have received is asking me to provide my personal details and to confirm whether I accept or Deny committing an offence (but doesn't state the details of offence). Please see below draft response:

"To whom it may concern,

I am writing in response to the letter from TFL dated [xxx], regarding an offence on the TFL Public Transport Network.

I was travelling from London Liverpool Street to Twyford via the Elizabeth line on 10th Nov 23, when I was asked by the ticket examiner just before approaching Twyford to show a ticket. I only had a ticket from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington. I also admitted about this mistake to the ticket examiner and explained him that I was stupid enough to get influenced by someone.

I have now realised my mistake and really very ashamed of what I did. I understand the severity of my actions and have learnt the biggest lesson of my life. I have a family who is dependent on me and don't want them to suffer because of this biggest mistake I have made. Since the incident, I have ensured that I have a full, valid ticket for every journey and will continue to do so. I am extremely sorry for the time and efforts that TFL has to put in for this investigation and keen to settle this matter without the need for court action.

I am eager to cover the outstanding fare and any administrative costs to TFL.

Once again, I apologise for my actions and the inconvenience caused. I greatly appreciate your understanding and consideration.

Yours faithfully

 

[43096]

The OP appears to have been unwilling to do so, which is why they will have paid more than necessary for the segment between Paddington and Liverpool Street. TfL will have noted this.

TfL could view this as an aggravating factor. Why use Trainline rather than contactless? Because it means you don’t need to tap in (which you wouldn’t want to do if you joined at Twyford and wanted to avoid an chunk of the fare) and can use the E-ticket to open the barrier.

 

[Skimpot flyer]

If all previous tickets were bought via the Trainline app, will TfL have access to that information?
I know the OP does not have to incriminate themselves, but if they probably know about the 12 other offences, would offering to cover their costs on the other offences too make an out-of-court settlement more, or less, likely to be offered?
I assume the OP’s goal here is to avoid a prosecution?

 

[Deafdoggie]

If all previous tickets were bought via the Trainline app, will TfL have access to that information?
I know the OP does not have to incriminate themselves, but if they probably know about the 12 other offences, would offering to cover their costs on the other offences too make an out-of-court settlement more, or less, likely to be offered?
I assume the OP’s goal here is to avoid a prosecution?

In this instance I can't see any advantage in admitting to things they haven't asked about. However, it's worth the OP being aware they may be aware of other offences so not to lie about them. Simply not mentioning them at this stage is best.

 

[Titfield]

Does anyone have a view on whether the OP should state "I was stupid enough to get influenced by someone"?

To me it invites TfL to ask who that person was?

Unless the OP is a vulnerable person I think it will make TfL look less favourably on the OP.

Thoughts please.

 

[AlterEgo]

Does anyone have a view on whether the OP should state "I was stupid enough to get influenced by someone"?

To me it invites TfL to ask who that person was?

Unless the OP is a vulnerable person I think it will make TfL look less favourably on the OP.

Thoughts please.

The OP has already stated it (presumably under caution) to the RPI.

 

[Titfield]

The OP has already stated it (presumably under caution) to the RPI.

Yes indeed they have but they do not need to repeat this in the letter unless it is beneficial to their case.

Hence the question is repeating this beneficial to their case?

 

[Haywain]

I am eager to cover the outstanding fare and any administrative costs to TFL.

I think you should change this to something like: "I would be extremely grateful if you would give me the opportunity to pay the outstanding fares and your administrative costs in order to settle the matter without the need for court action." That way you are asking a question rather than just telling them how you feel.

 

[scorpio1904]

Based on the suggestions, I have amended the response, see below.

"To whom it may concern,

I am writing in response to the letter from TFL dated [xxx], regarding an offence on the TFL Public Transport Network.

I was travelling from London Liverpool Street to Twyford via the Elizabeth line on 10th Nov 23, when I was asked by the ticket examiner just before approaching Twyford to show a ticket. I only had a ticket from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington and also admitted about the mistake to the ticket examiner.

I have now realised my mistake and really very ashamed of what I did. I understand the severity of my actions and have learnt the biggest lesson of my life. I have a family who is dependent on me and don't want them to suffer because of this biggest mistake I have made. Since the incident, I have ensured that I have a full, valid ticket for every journey and will continue to do so. I am extremely sorry for the time and efforts that TFL has to put in for this investigation and keen to settle this matter without the need for court action.

I would be extremely grateful if you would give me the opportunity to pay the outstanding fares and your administrative costs in order to settle the matter without the need for court action.

Once again, I apologise for my actions and the inconvenience caused. I greatly appreciate your understanding and consideration.

Yours faithfully"

 

[30907]

With respect, you did not make a mistake (even once, let alone 13 times).

A mistake might be (e.g.) carelessly selecting Taplow instead of Twyford, or getting the name of your destination wrong.

I suggest you find another word, one that fits the rest of your letter (which is otherwise fine).

 

[John R]

Mistake can mean (OED version) “an act or judgement that is misguided or wrong”, and in the context with which it is used I don’t think it is unreasonable.

Sometimes it is used to mean “accidentally”, but I don’t believe that is the case with the wording used.

 

[scorpio1904]

Thank you all. I have re-worded, see below.

"To whom it may concern,

I am writing in response to the letter from TFL dated [xxx], regarding an offence on the TFL Public Transport Network.
I was travelling from London Liverpool Street to Twyford via the Elizabeth line on 10th Nov 23, when I was asked by the ticket examiner just before approaching Twyford to show a ticket. I only had a ticket up to London Paddington. I also admitted about this to the ticket examiner.

I am really ashamed of my action. I also understand the severity of this and have learnt the biggest lesson of my life. I have a family who is dependent on me and don't want them to suffer because of my action. Since the incident, I have always ensured that I have a full, valid ticket for every journey and will continue to do so. I am extremely sorry for the time and efforts that TFL has to put in for this investigation and keen to settle this matter without the need for court action.

I am eager to cover the outstanding fare and any administrative costs to TFL.

Once again, I apologise for my actions and the inconvenience caused. I greatly appreciate your understanding and consideration.

Yours faithfully"

 

[Haywain]

I am eager to cover the outstanding fare and any administrative costs to TFL

I think you should change this to something like: "I would be extremely grateful if you would give me the opportunity to pay the outstanding fares and your administrative costs in order to settle the matter without the need for court action." That way you are asking a question rather than just telling them how you feel.

 

[scorpio1904]

Sorry, had re-used the old draft. Here is the final updated based on inputs on this thread.

"To whom it may concern,

I am writing in response to the letter from TFL dated [xxx], regarding an offence on the TFL Public Transport Network.

I was travelling from London Liverpool Street to Twyford via the Elizabeth line on 10th Nov 23, when I was asked by the ticket examiner just before approaching Twyford to show a ticket. I only had a ticket up to London Paddington and also admitted about this to the ticket examiner.

I am really ashamed of my action. I also understand the severity of this and have learnt the biggest lesson of my life. I have a family who is dependent on me and don't want them to suffer because of my action. Since the incident, I have always ensured that I have a full, valid ticket for every journey and will continue to do so. I am extremely sorry for the time and efforts that TFL has to put in for this investigation and keen to settle this matter without the need for court action.

I would be extremely grateful if you would give me the opportunity to pay the outstanding fares and your administrative costs in order to settle the matter without the need for court action.

Once again, I apologise for my actions and the inconvenience caused. I greatly appreciate your understanding and consideration.

Yours faithfully"

 

[Titfield]

Just a couple of suggestions:
(1) rather than "to whom it may concern" address it to the Investigations Appeals and Prosecutions Team.
(2) The lines
I am extremely sorry for the time and efforts that TFL has to put in for this investigation and keen to settle this matter without the need for court action.

I would be extremely grateful if you would give me the opportunity to pay the outstanding fares and your administrative costs in order to settle the matter without the need for court action.
are a bit repetitive.

May I suggest a slight rewording:

I am extremely sorry for the time and effort that TFL has had to put in to this investigation. I would be extremely grateful if you would give me the opportunity to pay the outstanding fares and your administrative costs to settle the matter without the need for court action.

 

[Haywain]

May I suggest a slight rewording:

I am extremely sorry for the time and effort that TFL has had to put in to this investigation. I would be extremely grateful if you would give me the opportunity to pay the outstanding fares and your administrative costs to settle the matter without the need for court action.

That's a good change, but perhaps also change one of the instances of 'extremely' to something else.

 

[John R]

Second extremely to “very” would feel ok to me.

 

[Titfield]

Second extremely to “very” would feel ok to me.

Yes good comments. It never ceases to amaze me how much time and effort you can out into drafting and redrafting a response and then someone else sees something you had missed.

 

[scorpio1904]

Thank you all, really appreciate the time and efforts every member has put in for reviewing the draft response. I have now sent my response and will update this thread once I receive a response.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Nov 2023 ==

Silly question - While sending the response, I have drafted my response in the email body and attached the copy of requested information in the email and have referenced the case number in the email subject. Hope that should be ok?

 

[scorpio1904]

Just to update this thread - I have received the attached response on my email today.

 

[scorpio1904]

Hi,

I have now received a Single Justice Procedure notice after I responded to the initial letter. They have sent me a couple of forms to fill to confirm if I plead guilty or not. They have also sent a witness statement from the officer who caught me. Can anyone please help how should I go ahead with the response?