Please can you advise us on whether this is an appropriate response to Govia Thameslink intention to prosecute letter, following a witness statement please. Im helping my son write this and plan to attach snapshots of his trainline purchases.
My son thought his weekly ticket was valid. I think I've added the reasoning within the reply. I've given the original letter to my sister at the moment to get her advice too, so don't have it to hand.
Please can you advise us if we should take anything out/ add. This has been so stressful and I feel partly responsible as I usually remind him
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Dear Prosecutions Manager at Govia thameslink,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain my actions relating to the incident that took place on 01/04/2025.
Firstly I would like to sincerely apologise to Govia Thames link and for the time and administration costs this matter has caused. I fully understand the large scale of revenue losses that Train companies face as a result of fare evasion and how unacceptable it is.
At the time of the offence I was a 2nd year chef student at Westminster Kingsway. I generally buy monthly season tickets, but this is sometimes weekly or daily depending on the length of my term-time, location, rotation and hours. I am hard working. My days at college vary, but I attach evidence that I have always purchased tickets, whether seasonal or otherwise dependent on my required college attendance each week/month.
On the day of the offence, I boarded the train at London Victoria, under the belief I had a valid ‘trainline’ weekly season ticket and 18-25 Railcard for my journey to Lewes Sussex. When my ticket showed expired and failed to scan at Victoria. I assumed this must be a glitch and showed the barrier attendants. They looked and allowed me through.
When my ticket was challenged by Govia Staff during the journey around Gatwick, I was still convinced that there was a mistake. Maybe I needed to reload the app, as I was certain it was a misunderstanding. A passenger even offered to buy a ticket for me, but as I was sadly wrongly convinced I had a valid ticket, I declined their offer. I would in no way intentionally travel without a ticket, this was a mistake on my behalf having bought a ticket on Tuesday for 7 days. I assumed it would expire on Tuesday. When I got home, my mum explained that due to staying the night with friends after college, the ticket expired and the inspector was absolutely right. I felt such a fool. I was and still am embarrassed.
Since this event, I have been extremely careful when purchasing rail tickets to note and note again the expiry. Plus a valuable lesson has been learnt to trust the automation system and if in any doubt to just buy another ticket. I assure you that this will not happen again.
Whilst my explanation above does not serve as an excuse, I take full responsibility for my actions and with my future ahead of me, I would sincerely request that this matter does not go to court prosecution as it would affect my career and potentially the future of my college course.
I am keen to resolve this matter as quickly as possible without the need for court action and would greatly appreciate it if you would allow me to pay the outstanding fare and any administrative costs and/or fine which you feel necessary.
I am very remorseful for not being on the ball and my misunderstanding that has lead to this event. It was a mistake that wont happen again. This incident has caused an unpleasant level of distress and embarrassment to me and my family and I hope to have a conclusion soon.
Many thanks for your understanding.
***
My son thought his weekly ticket was valid. I think I've added the reasoning within the reply. I've given the original letter to my sister at the moment to get her advice too, so don't have it to hand.
Please can you advise us if we should take anything out/ add. This has been so stressful and I feel partly responsible as I usually remind him
***
Dear Prosecutions Manager at Govia thameslink,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain my actions relating to the incident that took place on 01/04/2025.
Firstly I would like to sincerely apologise to Govia Thames link and for the time and administration costs this matter has caused. I fully understand the large scale of revenue losses that Train companies face as a result of fare evasion and how unacceptable it is.
At the time of the offence I was a 2nd year chef student at Westminster Kingsway. I generally buy monthly season tickets, but this is sometimes weekly or daily depending on the length of my term-time, location, rotation and hours. I am hard working. My days at college vary, but I attach evidence that I have always purchased tickets, whether seasonal or otherwise dependent on my required college attendance each week/month.
On the day of the offence, I boarded the train at London Victoria, under the belief I had a valid ‘trainline’ weekly season ticket and 18-25 Railcard for my journey to Lewes Sussex. When my ticket showed expired and failed to scan at Victoria. I assumed this must be a glitch and showed the barrier attendants. They looked and allowed me through.
When my ticket was challenged by Govia Staff during the journey around Gatwick, I was still convinced that there was a mistake. Maybe I needed to reload the app, as I was certain it was a misunderstanding. A passenger even offered to buy a ticket for me, but as I was sadly wrongly convinced I had a valid ticket, I declined their offer. I would in no way intentionally travel without a ticket, this was a mistake on my behalf having bought a ticket on Tuesday for 7 days. I assumed it would expire on Tuesday. When I got home, my mum explained that due to staying the night with friends after college, the ticket expired and the inspector was absolutely right. I felt such a fool. I was and still am embarrassed.
Since this event, I have been extremely careful when purchasing rail tickets to note and note again the expiry. Plus a valuable lesson has been learnt to trust the automation system and if in any doubt to just buy another ticket. I assure you that this will not happen again.
Whilst my explanation above does not serve as an excuse, I take full responsibility for my actions and with my future ahead of me, I would sincerely request that this matter does not go to court prosecution as it would affect my career and potentially the future of my college course.
I am keen to resolve this matter as quickly as possible without the need for court action and would greatly appreciate it if you would allow me to pay the outstanding fare and any administrative costs and/or fine which you feel necessary.
I am very remorseful for not being on the ball and my misunderstanding that has lead to this event. It was a mistake that wont happen again. This incident has caused an unpleasant level of distress and embarrassment to me and my family and I hope to have a conclusion soon.
Many thanks for your understanding.
***
