Caught using child ticket, what would happen next?

[Mfy_]

Hello everyone, this is my first post so apologise if I sound stupid at any point.

I travelled from London Paddington to Warminster today using a child ticket booked online on Trainline, and obviously got caught on the train. I am a student currently 18. I thought it was not a big deal and I could get away with it, so I lied about my age (I didn’t carry my ID or any official information with my personal detail so I that’s they would let it go).

I now realise what I have done is stupid, I did apologise to the man who checked my ticket instantly too.

The man initially asked me to pay for the difference (which was around £30 I can’t remember exactly), but I didn’t have enough cash and my card wasn’t contactless. My card didn’t work on his machine and so he then took my name, dob, address and phone number.

To be honest, English is not my first language and being under pressure I failed to understanding some of his word. After a few more sentences which I did not understand, he said the Miranda warning to me and I thought,

This is the end of my life.

But soon after I nodded, a nice lady sat in front of me eventually payed for me (I did gave her all the cash I had on me). The officer (?) then printed out my tickets and left.

Thank you very much for reading so far, this incident happened totally due to my ignorance and I now truly regret. Because I missed several sentences of what the officer said, I am not sure if this is the end of the matter? I have read some other thread and it seems like I am likely to receive a letter, but considering I have already (or the lady) paid the difference on the train, are they still sending me letter or even something more?

 

[kacper]

Have you previously used a child ticket when not a child?

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

We could do with knowing a bit more about what happened:

Which train company are you dealing with?
Were you given any paperwork by the person who checked your ticket?
Exactly what ticket did you purchase - which stations was it from and to. How much did you pay for it?

Can you upload a copy of any paperwork you were given, but do redact any personal detail before doing so.

 

[Mfy_]

Have you previously used a child ticket when not a child?

Thank you very much for reading my nonsense.

This is the first time. From London to Warminster was a long travel and it was a little expensive, hence I attempted to be sneaky.

But just out of curiosity, if someone, let’s say bought 5 child tickets when they are not supposed to, would they be charged for all those difference?

 

[Hadders]

But just out of curiosity, if someone, let’s say bought 5 child tickets when they are not supposed to, would they be charged for all those difference?

The train company will be able to research yout Trainline purchase history and if it shows that you've purchased child tickets on other occasions then you might have some questions to ask about those purchases.

 

[Mfy_]

Thank you very much.

Which train company are you dealing with?

I think it was GWR, forgive me I didn’t actually pay attention.

Were you given any paperwork by the person who checked your ticket?

I wasn’t given any paperwork at the time, apart from the printed ticket.

Exactly what ticket did you purchase - which stations was it from and to. How much did you pay for it?

It was London Paddington-Warminster. I paid £32.45 for that child ticket and paid another £32.45 to fill the difference.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Exactly what ticket did you purchase - which stations was it from and to. How much did you pay for it?

A Super Off Peak Return from London Terminals to Warminster (route "via Newbury") is £64-90 (Child fare is £32-45) so might just be this.

 

[Mfy_]

A Super Off Peak Return from London Terminals to Warminster (route "via Newbury") is £64-90 (Child fare is £32-45) so might just be this.

Yes it was, thank you for adding information.

 

[Hadders]

It seems as though the person who checked your ticket has allowed you to pay the difference between the child fare and the adult fare. That should be the end of the matter for this incident.

However, as the train company has your details they might check your Trainline account and might write to you to explain any other child rate tickets you've purchased.

 

[Wolfie]

It seems as though the person who checked your ticket has allowed you to pay the difference between the child fare and the adult fare. That should be the end of the matter for this incident.

However, as the train company has your details they might check your Trainline account and might write to you to explain any other child rate tickets you've purchased.

Just to add that given that your details are now on record with regards to a ticketing incident you should ensure that you have the correct tickets in future or legal action is quite likely.

 

[fandroid]

It was almost certainly GWR, as they run all the trains between Paddington and Westbury and all those from Westbury to Warminster.

 

[WesternLancer]

But soon after I nodded, a nice lady sat in front of me eventually payed for me (I did gave her all the cash I had on me). The officer (?) then printed out my tickets and left.

With luck, the kindness of a stranger has saved you paying a lot more money potentially - and hopefully removed the risk of you being threatened with prosecution.

Maybe you asked her for her details so you could pay back any money you owe her - or if she did not want that, you can help another stranger in future when you have a bit more money to spare to do so, if you see someone who could do with help.

But you should keep that ticket as proof from the journey, and any other paperwork you get or were given - and if the railway company get back in touch with you head back here for advice on what to do.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@Mfy_ Couple of things. Stop buying any more child tickets for use by yourself with immediate effect. You're 18 now and so are too old for child tickets (age 5 - 15).

However, if you want to legitimately save some money on future journeys, you could maybe get a 16-25 railcard. Normally costs £30, is valid for a year, or £70 for 3 years, and will save you a third off many fares. More info here...
https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/student-train-discount/