Buying a ticket on the train when asked if I had a ticket already

[Tamborine25]

Good morning

Is someone able to help me?

Yesturday I boarded the train, and forgot to purchase a ticket. The barriers were open as was 5:30am and I just genuinely forgot.

Early hours of the morning I got a notification from Thameslink saying that Storm Floris may be causing disruption to your travel. Instead of purchasing before leaving the house, I chose to head to the station incase my train was delayed or cancelled. When I arrived at the station, there were police who were arresting/searching an individual by the ticket machines and as it was 5:20am(Ish) the barriers were open, so I walked through to not stop as to try and de-escalate the situation. After this I boarded the train and opened my laptop to work and can honestly say at that point I just genuinely forget to purchase a ticket.
The ticket officer arrived to ask for tickets, and I panicked. in my blind panic i told him I had a ticket, and purchased a ticket there and then, thinking I was doing the right thing to pay for a ticket for my travel.

This is my first offence, and always pay for the right ticket from the correct station etc. I have done a similar thing in the past where I’ve got on the train, but then realised I hadn’t bought a ticket, and proceeded to the buy the right ticket on the Trainline app, from the correct station at full price. I’m not a fare evader and an honest genuine person.

I’m really worried about this, and anxious about the letter coming through. I really, really want to avoid the court or prosecution for what is a honest mistake

The rail is GTR

Any help, assistance is really appreciated

 

[jfollows]

Welcome to the forum!

Please read https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/please-read-before-posting-in-disputes-prosecutions.77759/ and provide some details.

On the face of it, you have been reported for prosecution because you did not hold a valid ticket when you boarded the train, which is a criminal offence.

But if you engage with GTR they will likely settle out of court, there are plenty of sample letters here, essentially you apologise and explain that you understand your error and won’t do it again. Plus you offer to pay their administration costs, probably around £150.

In future, never board a train before buying your ticket.

GTR will also look at your purchase history.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

I’m not a fare evader...

@Tamborine25. Welcome to the forum. Did you get issued with any paperwork by the revenue protection staff member? If so, please could you upload a pic/photo of same? Please be sure to obscure or cover up any name, address or ID number showing.

 

[Tamborine25]

@Tamborine25. Welcome to the forum. Did you get issued with any paperwork by the revenue protection staff member? If so, please could you upload a pic/photo of same? Please be sure to obscure or cover up any name, address or ID number showing.

Hi, thanks for coming back to me!

I’ve attached the ticket that I was printed out when the officer gave me it.

I’ve emailed the prosecution team ahead of it apologising and stated that I’ve since bought a monthly ticket to stop this ever happening again.

Will they go and check that some of the tickets that I’ve bought, even though they are the correct fare and correct start/finish destinations have been bought on the train as I tap out quicker than the The train would arrive?
For example getting on the 5:30, purchasing a ticket for the 6:02 with correct start/finish destination and correct fare but tapping out 30 mins before train is due to arrive? I’ve done the right thing to not fare evade and purchased a ticket but have been already on the train.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@Tamborine25. Depending on how hardball GTR wish to play it, reckon you'll likely end up just having to pay the unpaid full Anytime Day Single fare (=£31.90?) with a three figure admin and investigation fee added on top. Not sure, from what you've said, whether inspection of your ticket purchasing history will reveal any other potential ticketing irregularities (e.g. short-faring or tickets bought after departure).

 

[jfollows]

It’s unlikely but not impossible that your purchase history will show any previous offence of buying after boarding, so don’t mention it to them if they don’t mention it to you.

 

[Tamborine25]

@Tamborine25. Depending on how hardball GTR wish to play it, reckon you'll likely end up just having to pay the unpaid full Anytime Day Single fare (=£31.90?) with a three figure admin and investigation fee added on top. Not sure, from what you've said, whether inspection of your ticket purchasing history will show any other potential ticketing irregularities (e.g. tickets bought after departure).

Thanks for this. I’m really hoping I’m worrying about this far too much but it’s a genuine, and honest error. I thought purchasing a ticket at the time was a right thing to do as it was as the full price and would alleviate the ‘fare evasion’ issue. Clearly not.

I later purchased the anytime day single to counteract the short fall, which will also be on my account for them to see, should they do so.

It’s really frustrating as I’m a honest, genuine person who has no reason to fare evade as my travel is paid for - was just an honest mistake

 

[JBuchananGB]

This is my first offence, and always pay for the right ticket from the correct station etc. I have done a similar thing in the past where I’ve got on the train, but then realised I hadn’t bought a ticket, and proceeded to the buy the right ticket on the Trainline app, from the correct station at full price.

This is not your first offence, because the offence is boarding a train without a ticket, irrespective of whether you then buy a ticket at the right price while on the train. This is just the first time you have been caught.

 

[Tamborine25]

This is not your first offence, because the offence is boarding a train without a ticket, irrespective of whether you then buy a ticket at the right price while on the train. This is just the first time you have been caught.

I just genuinely didn’t realise this. Now I do, and have bought a season ticket to ensure that never happens again.

I’m hoping they see that I’m not a fare evader and pay for every trip I take.

 

[jamiearmley]

Thanks for this. I’m really hoping I’m worrying about this far too much but it’s a genuine, and honest error. I thought purchasing a ticket at the time was a right thing to do as it was as the full price and would alleviate the ‘fare evasion’ issue. Clearly not.

I later purchased the anytime day single to counteract the short fall, which will also be on my account for them to see, should they do so.

Im intrigued - are you saying that after the encounter with the revenue inspector, and having already purchased a ticket when the revenue inspector arrived, you have since then purchased yet another ticket?

What kind of ticket was the first ticket that you purchased? You stated that you had paid the full price originally. Was the first ticket you purchased an advance single rather than a standard day?

 

[MarlowDonkey]

Im intrigued - are you saying that after the encounter with the revenue inspector, and having already purchased a ticket when the revenue inspector arrived, you have since then purchased yet another ticket?

Perhaps the ticket was from A to C via B. The first ticket purchased was after the train left A and thus not valid. A second ticket purchased from B to C would be valid if purchased before arrival at B.

 

[Tamborine25]

Im intrigued - are you saying that after the encounter with the revenue inspector, and having already purchased a ticket when the revenue inspector arrived, you have since then purchased yet another ticket?

What kind of ticket was the first ticket that you purchased? You stated that you had paid the full price originally. Was the first ticket you purchased an advance single rather than a standard day?

The Revenue inspector turned up, and I didn't have a ticket. I panicked, and instead of stating i Didnt, I just purchased the ticket Infront of him, thinking I was doing the right thing to pay for the journey. The ticket I purchased Infront of him was from where I got on the train - Cambridge North - Kings cross. paid the Full price, (peak anytime return).
Then he gave me the Prosecution letter. I then later that day purchased a further ticket to cover my return leg home. (single Peak Return) Since then I've purchased a season ticket to ensure I never make the same mistake again.

Its a genuine mistake, and ive no intention to fare doge or not pay at all. I'm really hoping they see this in a genuine attempt to pay for the ticket and not.

 

[SuspectUsual]

@Tamborine25 how often do you make this journey?

 

[Tamborine25]

@Tamborine25 how often do you make this journey?

2 times per week, and have proof of purchasing the correct ticket with correct fares through the app

 

[6Gman]

You will probably be able to secure an out of court settlement but there are two questions that will surely be asked by whoever handles this case.

1. If you generally buy tickets online why didn't you do so immediately you saw the ticket machines were inaccessible?
2. Why didn't you explain to the staff member that there was a police incident at the station and you'd been unable to access the ticket machines?

Had you done either of these I suspect you'd have no case to answer, having purchased at the first opportunity.

 

[Tamborine25]

You will probably be able to secure an out of court settlement but there are two questions that will surely be asked by whoever handles this case.

1. If you generally buy tickets online why didn't you do so immediately you saw the ticket machines were inaccessible?
2. Why didn't you explain to the staff member that there was a police incident at the station and you'd been unable to access the ticket machines?

Had you done either of these I suspect you'd have no case to answer, having purchased at the first opportunity.

I suppose I was not expecting to see the police searching someone so close to the entrance and ticket machine at 5:30am so my mind was elsewhere when I saw the police at the station in the morning at that time, just just hurried past. Regarding the train officer, I genuinely just panicked, and in my blind panic I froze, purchased the fare for the travel as I thought that was the right thing to do by not avoiding paying for the travel. i thought by paying for the journey it would be ok - as it turns out, this was wrong - which I now realise.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Aug 2025 ==

is someone able to help me with a draft letter on what to say back to them?

 

[jfollows]

If you draft a letter and post it here, people will be happy to help you fine tune it. There are plenty of examples in this section of the forum also.

 

[John R]

You’ve bought a season ticket but only travel twice a week?

 

[Tamborine25]

You’ve bought a season ticket but only travel twice a week?

I've now bought a Flexi Season Ticket which covers 8 trips in a 28 day period - which is sufficient for my travel. I just want to avoid this ever happening again.

 

[SuspectUsual]

I've now bought a Flexi Season Ticket which covers 8 trips in a 28 day period - which is sufficient for my travel. I just want to avoid this ever happening again.

OK, but the train company might wonder why you hadn't done this before, as presumably it will save you a bit of cash as well as giving you peace of mind?

 

[Tamborine25]

I suppose ive just over looked it, not deeming it as essential as I claim my travel back from my employer. that's why this is even more of an honest and genuine mistake as I don't gain anything from not paying. Sometimes I travel 3 days, sometimes 2, sometimes none so its sporadic so daily has been 'easy' as I wasn't stuck to paying for something potentially non essential. However, with what's happened and the fact my company pay for my travel I would much rather the peace of mind it wont happen again ive just gone for it. if I don't use the full 8, or go over and have to purchase sooner I'd rather have the peace of mind knowing I always have the required tickets will save my conscience and put my mind at ease.

 

[MikeWh]

I suppose ive just over looked it, not deeming it as essential as I claim my travel back from my employer. that's why this is even more of an honest and genuine mistake as I don't gain anything from not paying. Sometimes I travel 3 days, sometimes 2, sometimes none so its sporadic so daily has been 'easy' as I wasn't stuck to paying for something potentially non essential. However, with what's happened and the fact my company pay for my travel I would much rather the peace of mind it wont happen again ive just gone for it. if I don't use the full 8, or go over and have to purchase sooner I'd rather have the peace of mind knowing I always have the required tickets will save my conscience and put my mind at ease.

That's a perfectly reasonable response, so please don't worry. An 8 in 28 flexi season costs the same as 7 anytime day returns so you won't lose out if you don't use the last one. You can always buy the next 8 in 28 early if you've run out; 28 days is the maximum validity but you can use them quicker and re buy if necessary.

 

[Tamborine25]

That's a perfectly reasonable response, so please don't worry. An 8 in 28 flexi season costs the same as 7 anytime day returns so you won't lose out if you don't use the last one. You can always buy the next 8 in 28 early if you've run out; 28 days is the maximum validity but you can use them quicker and re buy if necessary.

Thanks, appreciate it.

I'm worrying about this, as its a genuine mistake and ive nothing to gain from not paying for my ticket. Buying a ticket Infront of the Inspector has seemed to land me in more trouble than if I just said sorry I don't have one. I bought one because I genuinely thought it was the right thing to do and pay for the journey that I was on, as to be honest and pay for my travel.
I'm hoping the team dealing with it are able to see its a genuine mistake and avoid further proceedings. I really want to avoid court!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Aug 2025 ==

If you draft a letter and post it here, people will be happy to help you fine tune it. There are plenty of examples in this section of the forum also.

Hi All,

I would really appreciate if you are able to comment on my draft letter to them regarding my event.

-------

Dear Fare Evasion Manager,

I am writing in response to the notice of intention to prosecute letter dated on DD MMM YYYY (Ref: XXXX).
Firstly, I would like to apologise to Govia Thameslink Railway for any trouble my actions have caused, and I am grateful for the opportunity to explain what happened on the day. I have been deeply upset by this and have taken to emailing your prosecutions team immediately to try and show my remorse and apologise. I hope that you can see this was a genuine mistake.

On the day of the event (xx.xx.xxxx), I forgot to purchase a ticket prior to boarding the train at Cambridge North Railway Station. While on the journey to London Kings Cross Station, I was asked for my ticket by the ticket officer and in a silly, naïve and panicked error I stated that I had a ticket and purchased one on the spot and presented that, thinking that it would be the correct thing to do, paying for the ticket, to make sure I pay the correct amount and not avoid paying. I sincerely apologise for doing this and I hope that you can see from the details below that this was a mistake followed by a lapse in judgement, with no ill intention and nothing to be personally gained from it.

In the early hours of the morning I got a notification from the Thameslink app at 01.23am (attached) saying that Storm Floris may be causing disruption to your travel. Instead of purchasing my ticket before leaving the house, I chose to head to the station in case the train was delayed or cancelled, providing flexibility to change station or means of transport if necessary. I arrived at Cambridge North Station around 5:25am and there were 2 police officers arresting/searching an individual by the ticket machines. The barriers were open so i hurried past to not stop, as I didn’t want to disrupt the officers or engage in the situation. I boarded the train and opened my laptop to work and can honestly say at that point I just forgot to purchase a ticket.

When the ticket officer approached me and asked for my ticket, I was wearing headphones and I froze, I panicked realising that I hadn't purchased a ticket and in my blind panic I stated I had a ticket, purchasing a ticket there and then on my phone. I genuinely thought that was the right thing to do to resolve my error. This was a genuine attempt to do the right thing to pay for my travel. I learned it was not and I should have admitted to the ticket officer that I did not have a ticket.

I do not have anything to personally financially gain from purchasing the incorrect tickets as I expense my travel to the company I work for using a company credit card, which is why its so frustrating for me as I've nothing to gain from not paying. I hope you will be able to see from your records that this is the first time I have ever been stopped without a ticket, and pay the correct fares for my travel.

I am a hardworking, honest parent whom this is the first time this has happened, and will be the last, I can assure you. I am embarrassed and saddened by this lack of care and attention and I would really like to try and resolve this. To ensure this does not happen again I have purchased a Flexi Season ticket with reoccurring calendar requests to check my smartcard for tickets remaining to ensure I always have a valid ticket before boarding any train.

I deeply regret this lapse in judgement and fully understand the importance of fare compliance on the rail network. I now understand that it is illegal to board a train prior to purchasing a valid ticket and I am truly sorry for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was inappropriate and would like to do whatever is necessary to make amends.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter out of court without the need for court action. I am prepared to pay any appropriate fare plus any administrative costs as deemed appropriate. I am genuinely sorry for the inconvenience caused.

I hope you can see how deeply sorry I am for this, and have already put measures in place to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Thank you for considering my request and again, my genuine sincerest apologies

 

[jfollows]

It’s too long, you’ve got to put yourself in the shoes of the recipient who gets lots of letters, it’s good, but I’d suggest consolidating paragraphs 2, 3 & 4 into a single paragraph and removing paragraph 5 (I do not have anything …).

Basically my eyes glazed over a bit although I knew the background here.

Otherwise, it looks fine to me. But wait for a few other opinions.

 

[Titfield]

Yes far too long and with too much detail.

The fact that you have nothing to gain financially isn’t relevant as it can not be substantiated without putting you in an invidious situation. Likewise I would omit being an honest hard working parent.

It seems somewhat odd that you would be prevented from buying a ticket at the machine by an altercation and then minutes later forget to buy a ticket.

 

[John R]

Yes far too long and with too much detail.

The fact that you have nothing to gain financially isn’t relevant as it can not be substantiated without putting you in an invidious situation. Likewise I would omit being an honest hard working parent.

It seems somewhat odd that you would be prevented from buying a ticket at the machine by an altercation and then minutes later forget to buy a ticket.

Even odder when you say (post 14) that you have regular proofs of purchase of buying through the app, implying that is your normal approach. In which case why were you even affected by the altercation by the ticket machine?

 

[6Gman]

Even odder when you say (post 14) that you have regular proofs of purchase of buying through the app, implying that is your normal approach. In which case why were you even affected by the altercation by the ticket machine?

I think the OP has said that because of the storm warning he wanted to check trains were running normally before buying.

 

[Tamborine25]

I think the OP has said that because of the storm warning he wanted to check trains were running normally before buying.

Exactly this, and where the boards for the trains are right by where the incident was.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Exactly this, and where the boards for the trains are right by where the incident was.

I think the point being asked is, if you usually purchase via the app, why did you not do so between avoiding the ticket vending machines and boarding the train - there would surely have been ample time as it's a regular journey and likely saved on the app as such, as would your payment method.

It would be very easy for an investigator to read the scenario as you making a choice NOT to purchase a ticket rather than forgetting to, which has led to a purchase when challenged situation.