DRPU Failed to produce a valid rail card

[Lukas99]

Hi, I’d firstly like to say that I realize how stupid it was of me to forget my renewal and that there is no excuse for this.

I was traveling from Bolton to Manchester Picadilly and got stopped at Manchester picadilly, when asked for my rail card I was trying to install the app and couldn’t because of the connection. The ticket officer was happy to fill out a form that she said I will reply with proof and it will be dropped. I genuinely thought at that time it was still valid. Later than night I then realized and purchased a 3 year rail card. ( it was expired since February this year )

When I received this letter I replied to the email stating I’ve got a rail card ( stupid of me I know ) and showing them. In the email I also complained, not about the rail card but how one of the advisors did something to me extremely rude. I realize now that it’s makes 0 difference, if not making the situation worse because that’s a customer service matter and this is law.

They then replied back saying how the rail card was purchased after and that they will investigate this matter and post to me once done.

I do realize how stupid I’ve been and I am genuinely sorry for what I’ve done. Do I reply to them apologizing now or wait for further correspondence? I am aware that this will most likely go to court as I’ve lied and not apologized whatsoever but hoping I can maybe somehow reverse this.

 

[island]

You need to wait for the letter in the post then post it up here and we will advise.

I strongly urge you to park your complaint about any alleged rudeness. It is of no relevance to the ticketing offence you are alleged to have committed.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi, I’d firstly like to say that I realize how stupid it was of me to forget my renewal and that there is no excuse for this.

I was traveling from Bolton to Manchester Picadilly and got stopped at Manchester picadilly, when asked for my rail card I was trying to install the app and couldn’t because of the connection. The ticket officer was happy to fill out a form that she said I will reply with proof and it will be dropped. I genuinely thought at that time it was still valid. Later than night I then realized and purchased a 3 year rail card. ( it was expired since February this year )

When I received this letter I replied to the email stating I’ve got a rail card ( stupid of me I know ) and showing them. In the email I also complained, not about the rail card but how one of the advisors did something to me extremely rude. I realize now that it’s makes 0 difference, if not making the situation worse because that’s a customer service matter and this is law.

They then replied back saying how the rail card was purchased after and that they will investigate this matter and post to me once done.

I do realize how stupid I’ve been and I am genuinely sorry for what I’ve done. Do I reply to them apologizing now or wait for further correspondence? I am aware that this will most likely go to court as I’ve lied and not apologized whatsoever but hoping I can maybe somehow reverse this.

Might be worth you perusing this thread from today
Your objective and focus should be on avoiding court which is hopefully possible with advice from here.

Northern intention to pursue in court notice

Hi - I have just had my daughter on the phone in tears as she has had an email from Northern Rail saying they intend to pursue the matter in court. Basically she travelled a few weeks ago with a ticket purchased on TrainLine. Unfortunately she hadn't realised that her 16-25 railcard had expired...

www.railforums.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Aug 2025 ==

Can you upload a copy of the letter you have received and the reply you sent?
Obscure any personal details or reference numbers.

 

[Lukas99]

Might be worth you perusing this thread from today
Your objective and focus should be on avoiding court which is hopefully possible with advice from here.

Northern intention to pursue in court notice

Hi - I have just had my daughter on the phone in tears as she has had an email from Northern Rail saying they intend to pursue the matter in court. Basically she travelled a few weeks ago with a ticket purchased on TrainLine. Unfortunately she hadn't realised that her 16-25 railcard had expired...

www.railforums.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Aug 2025 ==

Can you upload a copy of the letter you have received and the reply you sent?
Obscure any personal details or reference numbers.

Thanks for the reply.

The email I sent to them is not really much relevant to the situation of not having a rail card and it’s mainly quite a lot of text of my complaining about the situation that happened in person, I can send it in here if need though?

The only thing I relate to the situation is attaching my railcard in the email and stupidly complaining about the time frame to reply, which looking at it now I’m lucky that they let me reply.

This is the letter they sent:
I thought also about replying straight away to the email rather than waiting for the letter as well but I thought best to ask here as you guys know best.

In the email do I apologize for my actions and explain that I’ve bought a rail card and will never be doing this again?

I imagine these companies get a lot of sob letters so I don’t know if it’s worth including something tragic happened at the time which meant the rail card would’ve been the last thing on my mind, although it’s still my fault and I accept that.

Thanks

 

[Lukas99]

You need to wait for the letter in the post then post it up here and we will advise.

I strongly urge you to park your complaint about any alleged rudeness. It is of no relevance to the ticketing offence you are alleged to have committed.

Thanks for your reply.

I will post it here when it comes through and yes I definitely will not mention the complaint.

Would it not be better to reply first before I receive the letter?

Thanks

 

[notmyrealname]

If you reply before they write to you, it's very possible that they won't have set up a case file for you and won't be able to match up your correspondence. The advice here is to wait until they write.

 

[WesternLancer]

If you reply before they write to you, it's very possible that they won't have set up a case file for you and won't be able to match up your correspondence. The advice here is to wait until they write.

but isn't the letter sent by the railway uploaded in post #4

I'm a bit confused.

 

[Lukas99]

but isn't the letter sent by the railway uploaded in post #4

I'm a bit confused.

Yes sorry I’m not sure if I’ve explained it badly. I gave my details as my rail card wouldn’t load, I was then sent the above letter and responded via email basically complaining about the service in person and also attaching my rail card, which I stupidly bought the same day as I forgot to renew it, I thought it was valid. I release I should’ve been honest and apologized for it being expired but now they’ve replied to my email saying that they can see I’ve bought the rail card after and they will assess the matter and send me a letter.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Aug 2025 ==

If you reply before they write to you, it's very possible that they won't have set up a case file for you and won't be able to match up your correspondence. The advice here is to wait until they write.

Sorry I might have explained it badly, I’ve replied above explaining it more.

 

[Lukas99]

but isn't the letter sent by the railway uploaded in post #4

I'm a bit confused.

Ive just checked my post and haven’t received a letter and it’s been two weeks. Do you think I should reply to the email confessing and apologizing for my actions? Thanks

 

[WesternLancer]

Ive just checked my post and haven’t received a letter and it’s been two weeks. Do you think I should reply to the email confessing and apologizing for my actions? Thanks

It probably won’t do any harm to do that. But post your draft letter here before sending it to them so people can check your wording to help you get it as best as it can be.