Railway Witness Statement on Thameslink

[hereforanswers]

Hi Hadders,

Thank you, how could I make it better? I really do want to make my chances as best as possible.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Hi Hadders,

Thank you, how could I make it better? I really do want to make my chances as best as possible.

Basically, your letter is now good enough. Get it sent off and wait for the railway to respond.

 

[hereforanswers]

I have received an email regarding other dates of fare evasion, they have asked me to reply to the email. How should I proceed, should I structure my response similar to my last letter?

 

[John R]

Perhaps you can share exactly what they have asked. But basically you need to answer truthfully, and come clean as to exactly what you have been doing.

 

[WesternLancer]

I have received an email regarding other dates of fare evasion, they have asked me to reply to the email. How should I proceed, should I structure my response similar to my last letter?

does it set out the dates they think you have evaded? best you share the text of what you have been sent for clarity of people here who can give you advice - but if not you could ask them to set it out so that you can check against your own records (they are known to make mistakes sometimes)

Co-operation is the key to resolving this without prosecution - even if it is going to cost you.

 

[hereforanswers]

It does no mention any dates unfortunately. They said they were contacting in relation to the statement I gave and that they have established that I fair evaded on multiple other occasions. Finally, they said they wanted to discuss this so I should respond.

I want to fully cooperate wit them and be as useful as I can to resolve this issue. How should I approach this?

 

[Titfield]

It does no mention any dates unfortunately. They said they were contacting in relation to the statement I gave and that they have established that I fair evaded on multiple other occasions. Finally, they said they wanted to discuss this so I should respond.

I want to fully cooperate wit them and be as useful as I can to resolve this issue. How should I approach this?

Are you able to create a spreadsheet of occurrences which you can then send to them but qualify by saying that you have completed this to the best of your recollection and records but recognise that there may be other occurrences.Therefore please could they advise you of any missing occurrences because you wish to ensure that all such occurrences are identified so you can settle in full.?

EDIT I would state / reiterate that you wish to cooperate fully so that this can be resolved.

 

[Hadders]

I would check you ticket purchasing account and work out how many times you have travelled with an invakid ticket.

Then, send a similar reply to the previous one but add something like 'I've checked my online ticket purchasing account and believe that between ddmmyy and ddmmyy I have evaded my fare on xx occasions'

 

[hereforanswers]

My response:

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to discuss the fairs that I have avoided on multiple dates.



On the XXX, I boarded a train at XXX before I had purchased my train ticket. This was an intentional attempt of fair evasion, and I am ashamed to say this was not the first time. Between the XXX and XXX, I estimate I have avoided paying the fare on XXX occasions.



I want to sincerely apologise for my actions, they were inexcusable, extremely damaging, and careless. I am ashamed that I have contributed to something as unethical as fare evasion, and I now understand how harmful it is towards Thameslink’s services. I fully acknowledge the seriousness of my actions, as I have shifted a significant financial burden on Thameslink and its passengers. Since the XXX, I have committed to ensuring I only travel with a valid ticket, which I purchase well in advance of boarding the train.



I wish to fully cooperate with the fraud investigation team so this can be resolved, hence I have created a spreadsheet of all my avoided fares. I created this to the best of my recollection and records, but I recognise there may be other occurrences. Please inform me of any missing occurrences, as I wish to ensure that all such occurrences are identified so I can settle them full.



I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am prepared to pay all the appropriate fares and any administrative costs you consider appropriate.

 

[Haywain]

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to discuss the fairs that I have avoided on multiple dates.

Fares, not fairs.

This was an intentional attempt of fair evasion

Ditto.

I created this to the best of my recollection and records, but I recognise there may be other occurrences. Please inform me of any missing occurrences, as I wish to ensure that all such occurrences are identified so I can settle them full.

Probably better saying something like "which I believe to be complete." Others may have a different view but I think it's better than suggesting that there will be gaps.

 

[hereforanswers]

Ditto?

 

[Haywain]

Ditto?

Yes, fare not fair again.

 

[Cuthbert]

Ditto?

Ditto means "Same again"

 

[hereforanswers]

What are your thoughts on the response itself, does it matter that it is quite similar to my previous one?

 

[Titfield]

What are your thoughts on the response itself, does it matter that it is quite similar to my previous one?

Not really. What is more important is that you have reiterated your apology, your commitment to always travelling with a valid ticket and your preparedness to pay the fares due together with the administration fee.

 

[hereforanswers]

Great, also should I consider asking them for all of the dates first, or should I provide my own?

 

[Titfield]

Great, also should I consider asking them for all of the dates first, or should I provide my own?

It may be simpler to follow the advice upthread (#98) and refer to a number of occasions but I would certainly create my own spreadsheet even though I might not send it.

 

[hereforanswers]

My edited response:

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to discuss the fares that I have avoided on multiple dates.


On the XXX, I boarded a train at XXX before I had purchased my train ticket. This was an intentional attempt of fare evasion, and I am ashamed to say this was not the first time. I’ve checked my purchasing records on my trainline account and estimate that between XXX and XXX, I have avoided paying the appropriate fare on XX occasions. Please inform me of any missing occurrences, as I wish to ensure that all such occurrences are identified so I can settle them full.



I want to sincerely apologise for my actions, they were inexcusable, reckless, and extremely damaging. I am ashamed that I have contributed to something as unethical as fare evasion, and I now understand how harmful it is towards Thameslink’s services. I fully acknowledge the seriousness of my actions, as I have shifted a significant financial burden on Thameslink and its passengers. Since the XXX, I have ensured my commitment to always travelling with a valid ticket, which I now purchase well in advance of my journeys.



I wish to fully cooperate with the fraud investigation team so this can be resolved, and I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am fully prepared to pay all the appropriate fares, investigation expenses, and administrative costs you consider appropriate.

 

[some bloke]

I think you were right in the draft not to overstate your confidence in what you've compiled. I'd advise not saying you believe it's complete unless you're pretty confident of that.

 

[hereforanswers]

Is my response suitable to send off?

Also, can I simply reply to the email to should I send a separate one?

 

[Hadders]

I think the email is ok to send. I would just reply to the email as it keeps everything in one place.

 

[hereforanswers]

I got a response containing a spreadsheet, which looks very similar to the one I created. Due to my cooperation they are willing to provide a settlement, given I make any necessary changes to their spreadsheet and provide evidence of railcards. I added some more dates in which I evaded fares but I can only provide evidence for a railcard for two of the three years. Thus, is it alright that I state I am unable to provide evidence for that year and simply accept paying a higher outstanding fares?

 

[Cuthbert]

I added some more dates in which I evaded fares but I can only provide evidence for a railcard for two of the three years.

Did they ask for these added dates?

 

[Haywain]

I can only provide evidence for a railcard for two of the three years.

Where had the railcards been bought? If it was online you should be able to access a record of your purchases. If the missing year was purchased at a station and you no longer have the railcard or receipt then it would be appropriate to say so.

 

[hereforanswers]

Where had the railcards been bought? If it was online you should be able to access a record of your purchases. If the missing year was purchased at a station and you no longer have the railcard or receipt then it would be appropriate to say so.

Yes, the missing railcard was a physical one, and given that I lack a receipt I am unable to prove that I had it during that time. However, the majority of my journeys are covered by railcards that I can prove I had through expiration reminder emails.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Jan 2025 ==

Did they ask for these added dates?

Not directly no, however the email outlined that I should identify any further dates where rail fares were avoided.

 

[WesternLancer]

Yes, the missing railcard was a physical one, and given that I lack a receipt I am unable to prove that I had it during that time. However, the majority of my journeys are covered by railcards that I can prove I had through expiration reminder emails.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Jan 2025 ==


Not directly no, however the email outlined that I should identify any further dates where rail fares were avoided.

Ref the Railcard that you can't prove, I would say that you had it but unfortunately have no longer kept a record or if as it was a physical railcard (presumably purchased at a station - if so say where if you can recall the station or where you did buy it) - they may simply be happy to believe you if you are being co-operative in other respects - so no harm is asking them to take it on trust. I can't see you have anything to lose by doing so.

 

[hereforanswers]

This is my response:

Thank you for your quick response.

I have identified further dates in which I have avoided fares alongside some additional details, please see the attached spreadsheet below. Between XXX and XXX, I held a valid physical railcard. However, I am only able to provide evidence for this for the first two years, as I received expiration reminder emails in XXX and XXX, please see the attached pictures below. In XXX, I received no such expiration reminder email, therefore I am unable to provide evidence that I held a valid physical railcard during this time. I light of this, I asked for proof of purchase at XXX station, where I had renewed my physical railcard each year. However, they were unable to provide a receipt. Therefore, between XXX and XXX, I am willing to pay the outstanding fares without a railcard discount.

 

[Cuthbert]

This is my response:

Thank you for your quick response.

I have identified further dates in which I have avoided fares alongside some additional details, please see the attached spreadsheet below. Between XXX and XXX, I held a valid physical railcard. However, I am only able to provide evidence for this for the first two years, as I received expiration reminder emails in XXX and XXX, please see the attached pictures below. In XXX, I received no such expiration reminder email, therefore I am unable to provide evidence that I held a valid physical railcard during this time. I light of this, I asked for proof of purchase at XXX station, where I had renewed my physical railcard each year. However, they were unable to provide a receipt. Therefore, between XXX and XXX, I am willing to pay the outstanding fares without a railcard discount.

Not sure "I am willing to pay" should be in there.
But I am not a pro on the forums maybe someone can help and even correct me.

 

[Haywain]

Therefore, between XXX and XXX, I am willing to pay the outstanding fares without a railcard discount.

I wouldn't say this at all - it's not in your interests to provide any encouragement for them to charge you a higher amount.

 

[hereforanswers]

I wouldn't say this at all - it's not in your interests to provide any encouragement for them to charge you a higher amount.

What should I do then, simply get rid of the last line and let them decide?