Report for prosecution- south western railway

[mrkr]

Hi guys, today I was on my way home from uni I was in a rush for the train from Barnes station to Clapham junction. I’ve recently lost my card so I had nothing to tap so I had to use Trainline for this journey. I didn’t have time to purchase the ticket at Barnes because the train was on the platform. when I got to Clapham junction I saw a lot of revenue staff. I quickly bought the ticket from Barnes to Clapham and told him I just bought it now so that they could see I did my journey with a ticket. He told me he could just see that it was bought now and took my details. I’ve never had a penalty from SWR only a couple unpaid fare notices, I’m extremely nervous as I’m a law student and I don’t want this to have further impacts on me. Do you guys think it’s likely they’ll take me to court, please respond asap. Thank you in advance

 

[30907]

Hi guys, today I was on my way home from uni I was in a rush for the train from Barnes station to Clapham junction. I’ve recently lost my card so I had nothing to tap so I had to use Trainline for this journey. I didn’t have time to purchase the ticket at Barnes because the train was on the platform. when I got to Clapham junction I saw a lot of revenue staff. I quickly bought the ticket from Barnes to Clapham and told him I just bought it now so that they could see I did my journey with a ticket. He told me he could just see that it was bought now and took my details. I’ve never had a penalty from SWR only a couple unpaid fare notices, I’m extremely nervous as I’m a law student and I don’t want this to have further impacts on me. Do you guys think it’s likely they’ll take me to court, please respond asap. Thank you in advance

If you cooperate they will most likely be willing to settle out of court, but it will cost you the fare plus an admin fee of at least £100.

They will also investigate your travel history in case you have previously avoided paying the correct fare.

 

[mrkr]

If you cooperate they will most likely be willing to settle out of court, but it will cost you the fare plus an admin fee of at least £100.

They will also investigate your travel history in case you have previously avoided paying the correct fare.

Hi thanks for replying, I’ve had something similar at TfL but that was a genuine accident too, will they see that they tried to take me to court too. Also my Trainline is a new account i don’t really use it but there are some short journey to Clapham junction from like Earlsfield or Vauxhall to Waterloo would they be able to prove I tried to avoid the fare, many thanks

 

[AlterEgo]

Hi thanks for replying, I’ve had something similar at TfL but that was a genuine accident too, will they see that they tried to take me to court too. Also my Trainline is a new account i don’t really use it but there are some short journey to Clapham junction from like Earlsfield or Vauxhall to Waterloo would they be able to prove I tried to avoid the fare, many thanks

Sounds like you do this often. They'll likely pick up on your purchase pattern. Those Vauxhall to Waterloo journeys - be honest now - are those genuine? Contactless is cheaper and very few people really take the train just from Vauxhall to Waterloo.

Were you stopped exiting the station at Clapham Junction, or while changing trains?

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi guys, today I was on my way home from uni I was in a rush for the train from Barnes station to Clapham junction. I’ve recently lost my card so I had nothing to tap so I had to use Trainline for this journey. I didn’t have time to purchase the ticket at Barnes because the train was on the platform. when I got to Clapham junction I saw a lot of revenue staff. I quickly bought the ticket from Barnes to Clapham and told him I just bought it now so that they could see I did my journey with a ticket. He told me he could just see that it was bought now and took my details. I’ve never had a penalty from SWR only a couple unpaid fare notices, I’m extremely nervous as I’m a law student and I don’t want this to have further impacts on me. Do you guys think it’s likely they’ll take me to court, please respond asap. Thank you in advance

Aren’t there Barnes to Clapham jct trains very frequently. In which case you could have bought a ticket and caught the next one with little inconvenience. This just looks like you deliberately evade the fare for occasions when you think you can avoid paying. That is what they will think when they investigate your digital fingerprints unfortunately.

You need to pay correctly for the trips you do. They will seek payment for all the journeys they think you have failed to pay for correctly.

 

[mrkr]

Sounds like you do this often. They'll likely pick up on your purchase pattern. Those Vauxhall to Waterloo journeys - be honest now - are those genuine? Contactless is cheaper and very few people really take the train just from Vauxhall to Waterloo.

Were you stopped exiting the station at Clapham Junction, or while changing trains?

I was stopped while leaving the station I quickly bought the ticket from Barnes to Clapham junction but when he scanned it he saw that I bought it the moment he saw me. I don’t do it often I could argue that I didn’t have a physical card to touch in whilst going from Vauxhall to Waterloo so I had to use Trainline I’m really scared about getting a criminal record let me show you my journeys please may you advise me

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Nov 2024 ==

Aren’t there Barnes to Clapham jct trains very frequently. In which case you could have bought a ticket and caught the next one with little inconvenience. This just looks like you deliberately evade the fare for occasions when you think you can avoid paying. That is what they will think when they investigate your digital fingerprints unfortunately.

You need to pay correctly for the trips you do. They will seek payment for all the journeys they think you have failed to pay for correctly.

Will they take me to court I’m really scared

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Nov 2024 ==

I was stopped while leaving the station I quickly bought the ticket from Barnes to Clapham junction but when he scanned it he saw that I bought it the moment he saw me. I don’t do it often I could argue that I didn’t have a physical card to touch in whilst going from Vauxhall to Waterloo so I had to use Trainline I’m really scared about getting a criminal record let me show you my journeys please may you advise me

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Nov 2024 ==


Will they take me to court I’m really scared

Also if you look at the journeys they don’t look that bad I barely use the train app and a few of the short stops I had to pay for my little sister to use the train

 

[AlterEgo]

One of the first things I can recommend is being honest, both to the people who are giving free and impartial advice here, and to the train company. We do not ever advise people to tell lies and if you are here to figure out what sort of lie you can tell to reduce the consequences then you won’t get much help.

It’s pretty clear from your purchase history you are a habitual short farer and I don’t know why you think a train company won’t also realise that. If they ask about your journey history when they write to you then I recommend being honest. If they only address the single incident where you were caught, then you should be honest about that too.

 

[Wethebest838]

Are you sure it was SWR who stopped you? I was at Clapham Junction around 4:15 and TFL were doing revenue blocks by the overground platform?

Not doubting you but just wanna make sure who you're dealing with.

 

[Haywain]

Also if you look at the journeys they don’t look that bad

You can keep trying to kid yourself that they don't, but you will serve yourself better if you get real and accept that they show a pattern of short faring.

 

[mrkr]

One of the first things I can recommend is being honest, both to the people who are giving free and impartial advice here, and to the train company. We do not ever advise people to tell lies and if you are here to figure out what sort of lie you can tell to reduce the consequences then you won’t get much help.

It’s pretty clear from your purchase history you are a habitual short farer and I don’t know why you think a train company won’t also realise that. If they ask about your journey history when they write to you then I recommend being honest. If they only address the single incident where you were caught, then you should be honest about that too.

What should I tell them because on this occasion I didn’t actually buy the ticket before I got on the train, I saw revenue and then I panicked

 

[AlterEgo]

What should I tell them because on this occasion I didn’t actually buy the ticket before I got on the train, I saw revenue and then I panicked

Have you thought about telling them the truth?

It's also likely - but not certain - they will ask about your history of short fares and child tickets that you've been using to pass through barriers.

Where exactly on the station at Clapham Junction were you caught?

 

[jupiter]

Tell them the truth.

When I worked in a school and had to challenge the kids over their actions or behaviour, I used to tell them first that if an adult asks you a question just imagine they already know the answer, and just be honest.

 

[Wethebest838]

Aren’t there Barnes to Clapham jct trains very frequently.

Yeah, every 5-10/15 mins especially after 4 I believe. There is about 21 min gap on the earlier trains normally at XX:35 then next is XX:56 from experience.

 

[mrkr]

Have you thought about telling them the truth?

It's also likely - but not certain - they will ask about your history of short fares and child tickets that you've been using to pass through barriers.

Where exactly on the station at Clapham Junction were you caught?

I’ve bought child tickets but they weren’t for me I was caught at the top walking out- also will they see that tfl tried to take me to court before but they didn’t prosecute me. I don’t know what to tell them I didn’t have a ticket I walked up and saw revenue so I quickly purchased a ticket on spot

 

[skyhigh]

I don’t know what to tell them I didn’t have a ticket I walked up and saw revenue so I quickly purchased a ticket on spot

Well that's what you'll have to tell them then?

Don't make up a lie, they are not stupid and your ticket purchasing history plus unpaid fare notices and other reports make it obvious you're a serial fare evader.

 

[mrkr]

Well that's what you'll have to tell them then?

Don't make up a lie, they are not stupid and your ticket purchasing history plus unpaid fare notices and other reports make it obvious you're a serial fare evader.

The revenue team said they don’t use unpaired fare notices on you- I’m just worried they’ll find out about tfl doing the same thing, but again that was just an honest mistake.

 

[Haywain]

I’m just worried they’ll find out about tfl doing the same thing, but again that was just an honest mistake.

That’s out of your control, so no point in worrying about it.

 

[Wethebest838]

I’ve bought child tickets but they weren’t for me I was caught at the top walking out

At the top where? by the overground platforms (platform 1 and 2)? Or, was it just up the stairs when you come off the train from Barnes to Clapham junction on platform 3? If either of those, they were TFL revenue inspectors not SWR.

If it was at the barriers on exit then it's SWR.

 

[mrkr]

That’s out of your control, so no point in worrying about it.

At the top where? by the overground platforms (platform 1 and 2)? Or, was it just up the stairs when you come off the train from Barnes to Clapham junction on platform 3? If either of those, they were TFL revenue inspectors not SWR.

It was TFL- does anyone know if they’ll know tfl tried to prosecute me but dropped the case ??

 

[Wethebest838]

It was TFL- does anyone know if they’ll know tfl tried to prosecute me but dropped the case ??

Okay this changes a lot as TFL take fare evasion very seriously. They almost always prosecute and very rarely they issue a final warning. But do not panic, they only prosecute under Byelaw not RoRa from what I have seen -

Railway Bye Law 18(1) & 17(1)- Entering a train for the purpose of travel without a valid ticket. This offence does not require any intention to avoid paying the fare – only that you had the opportunity to buy a ticket before boarding (i.e. at the machine or kiosk)

It's not recorded on the police national database and won't be seen on basic DBS but can be seen on enhanced DBS. I think. Someone may have to correct me.

But, the good news is they won't delve deeper into your other train journeys as TFL will go for that 1 journey but they can share info with other train companies but personally, I think TFL will not bother.

EDIT: Was you also going on the TFL overground towards Stratford/Daltson Junction? It's weird as I was walking past the inspectors to make my TFL overground train and they didn't check my oyster at all or the other girl who was in front of me?

 

[mrkr]

Okay this changes a lot as TFL take fare evasion very seriously. They almost always prosecute and very rarely they issue a final warning. But do not panic, they only prosecute under Byelaw not RoRa from what I have seen -

Railway Bye Law 18(1) & 17(1)- Entering a train for the purpose of travel without a valid ticket. This offence does not require any intention to avoid paying the fare – only that you had the opportunity to buy a ticket before boarding (i.e. at the machine or kiosk)

It's not recorded on the police national database and won't be seen on basic DBS but can be seen on enhanced DBS. I think. Someone may have to correct me.

But, the good news is they won't delve deeper into your other train journeys as TFL will go for that 1 journey but they can share info with other train companies but personally, I think TFL will not bother.

No point is, TFL tried to prosecute me but realised it was a genuine accident so they dropped the case, will south western railway see that they tried to prosecute me prior?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Nov 2024 ==

Okay this changes a lot as TFL take fare evasion very seriously. They almost always prosecute and very rarely they issue a final warning. But do not panic, they only prosecute under Byelaw not RoRa from what I have seen -

Railway Bye Law 18(1) & 17(1)- Entering a train for the purpose of travel without a valid ticket. This offence does not require any intention to avoid paying the fare – only that you had the opportunity to buy a ticket before boarding (i.e. at the machine or kiosk)

It's not recorded on the police national database and won't be seen on basic DBS but can be seen on enhanced DBS. I think. Someone may have to correct me.

But, the good news is they won't delve deeper into your other train journeys as TFL will go for that 1 journey but they can share info with other train companies but personally, I think TFL will not bother.

EDIT: Was you also going on the TFL overground towards Stratford/Daltson Junction? It's weird as I was walking past the inspectors to make my TFL overground train and they didn't check my oyster at all or the other girl who was in front of me?

It wasn’t tfl it was south western railway and I’m asking if they will know if tfl tried to prosecute me

 

[Wethebest838]

No point is, TFL tried to prosecute me but realised it was a genuine accident so they dropped the case, will south western railway see that they tried to prosecute me prior?

I think this gotten a bit muddly.

I am just gonna break it down so we can help you the best way we can:

You said it was at the top you was caught -

I’ve bought child tickets but they weren’t for me I was caught at the top walking out- also will they see that tfl tried to take me to court before but they didn’t prosecute me. I don’t know what to tell them I didn’t have a ticket I walked up and saw revenue so I quickly purchased a ticket on spot

I asked -

At the top where? by the overground platforms (platform 1 and 2)? Or, was it just up the stairs when you come off the train from Barnes to Clapham junction on platform 3? If either of those, they were TFL revenue inspectors not SWR.

And you said -

It was TFL- does anyone know if they’ll know tfl tried to prosecute me but dropped the case ??

So it was a TFL inspector not a SWR inspector? This info is VERY important as it will change the projectory of your case as the 2 companies handle things different.

Like I said: Was it by the overground platforms (platform 1 and 2)? Or, was it just up the stairs when you come off the train from Barnes to Clapham junction on platform 3? If either of those, they were TFL revenue inspectors not SWR as I saw them myself doing a revenue block.

If it was at the exit barriers then it was SWR

Did they give you a slip or a piece of paper? They should have said what company they are from.

 

[mrkr]

I think this gotten a bit muddly.

I am just gonna break it down so we can help you the best way we can:

You said it was at the top you was caught -

I asked -

And you said -

So it was a TFL inspector not a SWR inspector? This info is VERY important as it will change the projectory of your case as the 2 companies handle things different.

Like I said: Was it by the overground platforms (platform 1 and 2)? Or, was it just up the stairs when you come off the train from Barnes to Clapham junction on platform 3? If either of those, they were TFL revenue inspectors not SWR as I saw them myself doing a revenue block.

If it was at the exit barriers then it was SWR

Did they give you a slip or a piece of paper? They should have said what company they are from.

It was south western railway who caught me they sent me a slip of report to prosecute. I’m asking in a case of mine, will they find out from TfL that they tried to prosecute me too- the TfL situation happened a year and a while ago

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Nov 2024 ==

It was south western railway who caught me they sent me a slip of report to prosecute. I’m asking in a case of mine, will they find out from TfL that they tried to prosecute me too- the TfL situation happened a year and a while ago

I think this gotten a bit muddly.

I am just gonna break it down so we can help you the best way we can:

You said it was at the top you was caught -

I asked -

And you said -

So it was a TFL inspector not a SWR inspector? This info is VERY important as it will change the projectory of your case as the 2 companies handle things different.

Like I said: Was it by the overground platforms (platform 1 and 2)? Or, was it just up the stairs when you come off the train from Barnes to Clapham junction on platform 3? If either of those, they were TFL revenue inspectors not SWR as I saw them myself doing a revenue block.

If it was at the exit barriers then it was SWR

Did they give you a slip or a piece of paper? They should have said what company they are from.

also do you think ill end up going to court I’m really scared I study law it could really ruin my life

 

[Wethebest838]

It was south western railway who caught me they sent me a slip of report to prosecute. I’m asking in a case of mine, will they find out from TfL that they tried to prosecute me too- the TfL situation happened a year and a while ago

Okay, well that is good news then as SWR will prob offer an out of court settlement if you co-operate with them.

But seeing as you done this before, you will be expected to pay the any-time full fare of each journey that you have evaded which can be costly and they will not offer a payment plan.

Can you also post the slip of paper with all personal details hidden?

Nothing you can do until they email/write to you which can take 6 months.

Also, no. They can share info with each other but I really doubt it.

 

[Haywain]

It was south western railway who caught me they sent me a slip of report to prosecute. I’m asking in a case of mine, will they find out from TfL that they tried to prosecute me too- the TfL situation happened a year and a while ago

Probably not, but you will have to wait and see.

also do you think ill end up going to court I’m really scared I study law it could really ruin my life

There is a fair chance that SWR will settle out of court. In the meantime, if breaking the law is likely to be damaging to your future, I suggest that you stop breaking the law.

 

[mrkr]

Okay, well that is good news then as SWR will prob offer an out of court settlement if you co-operate with them.

But seeing as you done this before, you will be expected to pay the any-time full fare of each journey that you have evaded which can be costly and they will not offer a payment plan.

Can you also post the slip of paper with all personal details hidden?

Nothing you can do until they email/write to you which can take 6 months.

Also, no. They can share info with each other but I really doubt it.

If they ask me to pay the costs of the journey are you sure they won’t take me to court

 

[Haywain]

If they ask me to pay the costs of the journey are you sure they won’t take me to court

That's why it is called an out of court settlement.

 

[Cuthbert]

Just want to mention that you say you have a new TrainLine account. Is it also a new bank account you are using?
If it is the same bank details TrainLine will link all accounts to that bank account. If they ask for your past history they will get the older ones too.
Just a warning they can link accounts.

 

[mrkr]

That's why it is called an out of court settlement.

Ah got you appreciate the advice i for sure won’t do this again they’ll see on my Trainline that I’ll start to pay the fare correctly. I’m sure they won’t take me if im honest and open right ?

 

[Wethebest838]

Also for the future, I know AMEX and halifax allow you to use apple pay/google wallet before your new card arrives. So, you can still pay with apple pay/google wallet