Please help! Notice of intention to prosecute

[user879]

I am writing to seek advice regarding an incident that occurred in July, during my journey from my home station to Finsbury Park, where I intended to connect to Barking Riverside. I had purchased a return ticket from my home station to Barking Riverside using a 16-17 Railcard. However, I had recently turned 18 in May, and I regret to say that I was unaware that my railcard had expired. Due to my focus on A-levels and other commitments, I completely overlooked the need to obtain a new railcard upon turning 18.
When stopped by the ticket inspector, I unfortunately panicked and initially provided incorrect personal details. However, when asked again, I immediately corrected this by providing my accurate name and address. Despite this, I was informed that I would face prosecution. I have since received a Notice of Intention to Prosecute from Govia Thameslink Railway, which was addressed to the incorrect name I initially provided, despite my subsequent correction.
I have drafted a response to this notice and would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice you could provide on how best to proceed.
Thank you very much for your time and assistance.



Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the Notice of Intention to Prosecute dated …., regarding the fare evasion incident referenced as …… at Brookmans Park Station.

On the date in question, I was traveling to my sister’s birthday celebration and had purchased a ticket via Trainline using my 16-17 Saver Railcard. My journey was from …..
to Finsbury Park, with the intention of connecting to Barking Riverside. As a result, I purchased a return ticket from … to Barking Riverside. At the time of purchase, I had recently turned 18 and, unfortunately, made the genuine mistake of buying a ticket with an expired railcard. I sincerely apologize, as it was never my intention to travel with an incorrect ticket.

I was unaware that upon turning 18, I was required to obtain a new railcard. Having recently completed my A-levels, I had not been traveling by train frequently and did not realize that my railcard had expired. This oversight is entirely my fault, and I am deeply sorry for any inconvenience caused. I mistakenly believed that my railcard was valid from September 2023 until September 2024, but the ticket inspector kindly informed me that it had expired upon my 18th birthday. To prevent any recurrence of this mistake, I have since purchased a valid 16-25 Railcard.

In a moment of panic during the inspection, I provided incorrect personal details, for which I also apologize. However, I promptly corrected this by providing the correct name and address when asked again by the ticket inspector. I assure you that this was an isolated incident, and I have never previously had any issues with Govia Thameslink Railway. I have always endeavored to purchase the correct ticket for my journeys, and I deeply regret this unfortunate occurrence.

I fully understand the seriousness of my actions and the importance of complying with ticketing regulations. Since this incident, I have made certain to always purchase the correct ticket and railcard for my travels. Prior to this incident, I maintained a clean record with Govia Thameslink Railway, and this is the first time I have found myself in such a situation. I have learned a valuable lesson, and I can assure you that this will never happen again.

I am profoundly sorry for any inconvenience and would be immensely grateful if this matter could be settled without the need for court action. I am more than willing to pay the remaining fare and any associated administrative costs incurred by Govia Thameslink Railway.

Once again, I extend my sincere apologies for my actions and any trouble I have caused. I deeply appreciate your understanding and consideration.

Yours faithfully,
….

 

[30907]

While I think you should be able to settle out of court as GTR are involved and not TfL (consider yourself fortunate!), I doubt they will believe your claim that your 16-17 Saver was valid when you were 18* - the name is a giveway .

More generally, the letter is wordy and repetitive - try shortening it - and take out the excuses.

You could cut the whole 4th paragraph - giving false details is something many people do, and the railways generally disregard it: they are basically interested in getting some money now and stopping you doing similar things in future. They will no doubt have checked your travel history, and will know this was (or wasn't) your first time.

(*maybe it should be, but that's a different matter!)

 

[The exile]

While I think you should be able to settle out of court as GTR are involved and not TfL (consider yourself fortunate!), I doubt they will believe your claim that your 16-17 Saver was valid when you were 18* - the name is a giveway

Is it not the case that the validity is determined by the age on the day the railcard is purchased? Certainly used to be the case with what was then the YP railcard.

 

[30907]

Is it not the case that the validity is determined by the age on the day the railcard is purchased?

No, it expires on (or before) one's 18th birthday, and it is stated very prominently.
https://www.16-17saver.co.uk/?gad_s...L7N_i0-Jehb7oWZ7OR4aAghIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Certainly used to be the case with what was then the YP railcard.

and still is!

 

[user879]

While I think you should be able to settle out of court as GTR are involved and not TfL (consider yourself fortunate!), I doubt they will believe your claim that your 16-17 Saver was valid when you were 18* - the name is a giveway .

More generally, the letter is wordy and repetitive - try shortening it - and take out the excuses.

You could cut the whole 4th paragraph - giving false details is something many people do, and the railways generally disregard it: they are basically interested in getting some money now and stopping you doing similar things in future. They will no doubt have checked your travel history, and will know this was (or wasn't) your first time.

(*maybe it should be, but that's a different matter!)

Thank you very much! I have made a few changes now, does this sound better?
Dear sir/madam,
I am writing in response to the Notice of Intention to Prosecute dated ….., regarding the fare evasion incident, reference …. , at Brookmans Park Station.

On the date in question, I was traveling to my sister’s birthday celebration and had purchased a ticket through Trainline using my 16-17 Saver Railcard. My journey was from …. to Finsbury Park, with a planned connection to Barking Riverside, so I bought a return ticket covering the entire route. Unfortunately, I didn’t realise at the time that my railcard had expired and mistakenly used it to purchase the ticket. I sincerely apologise, as it was never my intention to travel with an invalid ticket.

This mistake is entirely my fault, and I deeply regret any inconvenience it has caused. To prevent it from happening again, I have since purchased a 16-25 Railcard.
I want to emphasize that this was an isolated incident, and I have never had any prior issues with Govia Thameslink Railway. I have always aimed to purchase the correct ticket for my journeys, and I regret this unfortunate occurrence.

I fully understand the seriousness of my actions and the importance of adhering to ticketing regulations. Since this incident, I have been meticulous in ensuring that I purchase the correct ticket and railcard for my travels. Until this event, I maintained a clean record with Govia Thameslink Railway. I have learned a valuable lesson and can assure you it will not happen again.

I am genuinely sorry for any inconvenience caused and would be extremely grateful if this matter could be resolved without court action. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare and any associated administrative costs.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Yours faithfully,
….

 

[The exile]

No, it expires on (or before) one's 18th birthday, and it is stated very prominently.

Indeed - it couldn’t be clearer

 

[MotCO]

My immediate thought is that, although you may not know your railcard had expired, you most certainly knew you had turned 18. I wonder if you just say that you did not realise your railcard had expired without mentioning your recent birthday.

 

[user879]

My immediate thought is that, although you may not know your railcard had expired, you most certainly knew you had turned 18. I wonder if you just say that you did not realise your railcard had expired without mentioning your recent birthday.

I understand, thank you for helping! I’ve changed my second draft above, does this paragraph sound a bit better?
On the date in question, I was traveling to my sister’s birthday celebration and had purchased a ticket through Trainline using my 16-17 Saver Railcard. My journey was from …. to Finsbury Park, with a planned connection to Barking Riverside, so I bought a return ticket covering the entire route. Unfortunately, I didn’t realise at the time that my railcard had expired and mistakenly used it to purchase the ticket. I sincerely apologise, as it was never my intention to travel with an invalid ticket.

 

[island]

Is it not the case that the validity is determined by the age on the day the railcard is purchased? Certainly used to be the case with what was then the YP railcard.

It is for all other Railcards but the 16-17 is a bit different, it expires upon turning 18 for normal tickets and (I think) 4 months later for seasons.

 

[John R]

On the date in question, I was traveling to my sister’s birthday celebration and had purchased a ticket through Trainline using my 16-17 Saver Railcard. My journey was from …. to Finsbury Park, with a planned connection to Barking Riverside, so I bought a return ticket covering the entire route. Unfortunately, I didn’t realise at the time that my railcard had expired and mistakenly used it to purchase the ticket. I sincerely apologise, as it was never my intention to travel with an invalid ticket.

The key points here are that you didn't realise that your railcard had expired, and you sincerely apologise for doing so. They know where you were travelling from and to, which app you bought it through, and the planned connection point and why you were travelling are completely irrelevant.

 

[MotCO]

Having purchased a 16-25 railcard is positive news from the rail company's perspective. However, please, please, please take care when buying tickets using it that you select the 16-25 ticket option and not 16-17. Other posters have come unstuck doing this.

 

[Hadders]

Take the bit out about your sister's birthday - it's not relevent. Just say that you were making a journey from xxx to Barking Riverside and you were stopped at Finsbury Park.