Transpennine express ticket of irregularity report

[unknown2024]

On 6th sep I got a ticket of irregularity report from TPE. For having the wrong train time ticket.

Backstory.
I was rushing to grab a train from reddish north to Manchester Picadilly and purchased the 12:54 single ticket.

When I got to Piccadilly I went to scan my ticket out and it wouldn’t scan.

The inspector came over and asked to see my ticket so I showed him and he then pointed out it was the wrong time.

After me explaining and showing my purchase on Trainline app I then realised that I had in fact purchased the 14:54 ticket by complete mistake .
*note the ticket price is exactly the same as£2.40 no matter what time ticket I purchased if that makes any difference


I apologised to him and offered to buy a new ticket as I didn’t want to get fined for such a genuine mistake.
He then said he’s giving me this report and it’s not a fine but I in fact need to just write back to TPE explaining what I told him.

I have now received my letter and looking for some guidance on a reply back.

I’m really worried about this if I go to court I know I’ll loose and if I get a criminal record I’ll loose my job everything .

Please advise on my response I have attached below what I was thinking of writing back to them.

Any input is massively appreciated

Draft below
Dear TransPennine Express Team,



I am writing to explain a ticketing issue that occurred on the 6th of September 2024. On this date, I purchased a train ticket through the Trainline app for my journey from Reddish North to Manchester Piccadilly. The ticket was bought just minutes before the 12:54 train was due to depart, using Apple Pay.



Upon arrival at Manchester Piccadilly, I attempted to scan my ticket at the gate but was unable to do so. A member of staff approached and requested to see my ticket, which I provided willingly. The staff member informed me that my ticket was for a later train, specifically the 14:54–15:07 service.



I promptly explained that I had mistakenly purchased the wrong ticket and showed the time of purchase on Trainline/Apple Pay. I offered to buy the correct ticket and pay any associated charges, as I fully accept responsibility for the error, which was mine alone. I also apologized for the inconvenience.



I sincerely regret the mistake and would like to emphasize that it was not intentional. I fully intended to hold a valid ticket for my journey, and I will ensure that I double-check all future ticket purchases to avoid any similar issues.



I kindly request that this matter be settled out of court, and I am more than willing to cover any administrative costs involved. I once again offer my sincere apologies for the mistake and appreciate your consideration of my explanation.



Thank you for taking the time to review my account of the incident. I look forward to hearing from you and hope we can resolve this matter amicably.



Kind regards,

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

The letter looks fine to me, the only minor amendment I would make is near the end, I would say:

'I wonder if it will be possible to settle this matter without going to court. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare plus your administrative costs in dealing with the matter.'

Give it a day or so before you send it off in case any other forum members have any further amendments.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@unknown2024. Welcome to the forum. The £2.40 fare you paid was almost certainly for a (Booked Train only) Advance Single from Reddish North to Manchester Piccadilly, which then looks to have been used on the wrong train, two hours too early. A more flexible Anytime Day Single would have been £4.40.

Would imagine that the train company acting here (TPE) are likely to give you the opportunity to resolve the issue by you paying them some £££. Expect this to be the £4.40 fare due (with no allowance made for the non-valid ticket already bought) plus a three figure sum towards the train company's admin costs. Expensive, but that should then be the end of the matter.

 

[unknown2024]

@unknown2024. Welcome to the forum. The £2.40 fare you paid was almost certainly for a (Booked Train only) Advance Single from Reddish North to Manchester Piccadilly, which then looks to have been used on the wrong train, two hours too early. A more flexible Anytime Day Single would have been £4.40.

Would imagine that the train company acting here (TPE) are likely to give you the opportunity to resolve the issue by you paying them some £££. Expect this to be the £4.40 fare due (with no allowance made for the non-valid ticket already bought) plus a three figure sum towards the train company's admin costs. Expensive, but that should then be the end of the matter.

I really do hope so I’m gutted I made such a stupid mistake I rarely get the train. I’ve been worried sick do you think my above letter with the adjustment will do?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2024 ==

Welcome to the forum!

The letter looks fine to me, the only minor amendment I would make is near the end, I would say:

'I wonder if it will be possible to settle this matter without going to court. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare plus your administrative costs in dealing with the matter.'

Give it a day or so before you send it off in case any other forum members have any further amendments.

Brilliant thank you I’ll make that edit and take your advice and wait for tomorrow then send it

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Sep 2024 ==

do you think the shorted version is better? Or should I stick with the above longer version

“
Dear TransPennine Express Team,

I am writing regarding a ticketing issue on September 6th, 2024. I purchased a ticket through the Trainline app for the 12:54 train from Reddish North to Manchester Piccadilly using Apple Pay, but mistakenly bought one for the 14:54–15:07 service instead.

Upon arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, I couldn’t scan my ticket at the gate. A staff member informed me of the error, and I explained the mistake, showing the time of purchase. I offered to buy the correct ticket and cover any associated charges, as I take full responsibility.

I sincerely regret this unintentional mistake and hope to resolve the matter without going to court. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare plus administrative costs.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to resolving this amicably.

Kind regards, “