Used (16-25) expired railcard unknowingly

[KawaiiEsther]

Hi there,

My name's Esther, just joined the forum. I'll try to be super brief and add all the details (would appreciate any help, advice and some ideas on what will happen next).

I travelled back from the US last week, and the inspector was checking railcards and tickets. I unknowingly used a 16-25 expired railcard. I bought it in 2022 and it expired in July of 2023 (I know, it's been a long time).

I had no idea they expired and actually thought they would expire up until 25. I was very wrong.

Here's some quick details:

• The inspector gave me a ticket and said I'll receive a letter in the post.
• I already emailed LNER appeals team to be proactive and explain the situation.
• I only bought 3 tickets since it expired. I travel (a lot) outside of the UK for work, I go to the US and Europe a lot so it never crossed my mind.
• I'll be happy to pay any excess fees, any amount as long as it doesn't go to court -- I don't want to be charged with a criminal offence. I'm a young working professional and just genuinely had no clue that it expired until I checked my emails and saw that it expired.
• I rarely use the train (as I said, only purchased 3 tickets from my history), so I'm hoping it gives me some leeway and they won't take me to court?
• Edit: This was with LNER. Travelling from Kings Cross to Leeds station.

What can I expect in this situation? Am I really in trouble or will they just investigate this and ask for me to pay the fees?

Apologies for any trouble caused.

 

[30907]

Hi there,

My name's Esther, just joined the forum. I'll try to be super brief and add all the details (would appreciate any help, advice and some ideas on what will happen next).

I travelled back from the US last week, and the inspector was checking railcards and tickets. I unknowingly used a 16-25 expired railcard. I bought it in 2022 and it expired in July of 2023 (I know, it's been a long time).

I had no idea they expired and actually thought they would expire up until 25. I was very wrong.

Here's some quick details:

• The inspector gave me a ticket and said I'll receive a letter in the post.
• I already emailed LNER appeals team to be proactive and explain the situation.
• I only bought 3 tickets since it expired. I travel (a lot) outside of the UK for work, I go to the US and Europe a lot so it never crossed my mind.
• I'll be happy to pay any excess fees, any amount as long as it doesn't go to court -- I don't want to be charged with a criminal offence. I'm a young working professional and just genuinely had no clue that it expired until I checked my emails and saw that it expired.
• I rarely use the train (as I said, only purchased 3 tickets from my history), so I'm hoping it gives me some leeway and they won't take me to court?
• Edit: This was with LNER. Travelling from Kings Cross to Leeds station.

What can I expect in this situation? Am I really in trouble or will they just investigate this and ask for me to pay the fees?

Apologies for any trouble caused.

Provided you engage with the letter when it arrives, you will almost certainly be able to settle out of court (even if the letter threatens otherwise). Assume that LNER will check your travel history and budget for paying the full Anytime fare for each journey since your railcard expired, plus an admin fee.

Not much you can do until then, but make sure you can access your post for the ne t few months.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@KawaiiEsther. Welcome to the forum. As @30907 has said, reckon you'll get asked , in due course, to pay the full, undiscounted Anytime Day Single fares for each of the various journeys you made using the inappropriately railcard discounted tickets, plus a three figure investigation and administration fee added on top. It probably won't just be a matter of paying just an "excess", as it's likely that LNER won't offset whatever you'd paid already from what's now due. An expensive mistake, but not the end of the world. Presume LNER have been provided with an up-to-date contact address.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

It's likely that LNER will settle this case without having to go to court as long as you co-operate with them and haven't come to their attention before.

Can you upload a redacted copy of the paperwork you were given by the inspector.
LNER will write to you in the next few weeks. From what you've said you travel quite extensively so will you be able to receive and deal with post sent to you?