Intention to Prosecute - Thameslink (accidental fare evasion)

[purplerain58]

Good afternoon

About 4 months ago I was stopped by fare officers. Today I recevied the Intention to Prosecute letter, and I would like some advice on how to proceed.

I will start by summarising what happened:
I commute to work from Elephant and Castle to City Thameslink most days. I usually buy a ticket on Trainline as I have a 16-25 railcard. On this particular day I was running late for a train (and those who know Elephant and Castle knows there are no barriers) so I sprinted to catch my train and got on. Once on the train I bought my ticket. When I arrived at City TL I noticed there were revenue officers at the gates. I didn't think anything of this as I had what I thought was a valid ticket, so I tapped my ticket on the gates but it didn't work. The officer asked to look at my ticket, and it was at this point that he told me my ticket wasn't valid because I paid for it less than 10 minutes ago (the journey itself is only around 10 minutes). He took my details and told me I'd receive a letter in the post detailing the next steps. I was baffled as I genuinely did not know this was a thing, and I didn't put up a fight. However, I received the letter today and it's honestly scared me a lot as it's harshly worded and I really don't want to go to court over such a minor thing.

I'm planning on printing the ticket details showing the timestamps, and an attachment of my valid railcard. I will outline my sincere apologies, explain that I am aware of why it's fare evading, and explain that this was a one off case. I will also offer to pay the full fare + admin costs to settle OOC.

What baffles me though is that if I was aware that I was 'fare evading', I would've simply stood on the platform for 5 minutes and waited for the ticket to be active. That's why I think it was particularly harsh that they didn't fine me. I travel that way most days and always pay before boarding, it was just this one time when I was rushing that I did it after I got on the train.

How should I reply? Can someone give me their opinion and reassure me I won't be taken to court over this?

Thank you.

Ps. before you reiterate that I did commit an offence because I traveled without a ticket - I know this is true now! I don't need reminding.

 

[Watershed]

You travelled before the National Rail Conditions of Travel were changed on 23 November, to state that tickets bought after boarding aren't valid (though the enforceability of that new clause is highly questionable). So your ticket was valid, and its cost should be deducted from any settlement since you have paid the fare.

The issue remains that you boarded the train without a valid ticket. That in itself is the criminal offence which GTR may well choose to prosecute you for, under Railway Byelaw 18(1):

In any area not designated as a compulsory ticket area, no person shall enter any train for the purpose of travelling on the railway unless he has with him a valid ticket entitling him to travel.

No-one can 100% guarantee you won't be taken to Court, but our experience is that GTR are usually fairly willing to engage in out of Court settlements. You are 'in luck' in that sense (the same can't be said for TfL, for example). You will want to respond with a brief, contrite letter that sets out that you accept what you did was wrong [legally even if not morally], and that you essentially promise not to do it again.

There are plenty of other threads in the Disputes & Prosecutions section with GTR cases where you will be able to find examples of what the letter could look like - I suggest having a look through those to get an idea, and then post a draft here to get some feedback before you send it.

For future journeys, you could consider ordering a Key smartcard and activating KeyGo. You can upload your Railcard to your KeyGo account. You get charged the Oyster/contactless PAYG fare (with Railcard discount when applicable), or the paper fare - whichever is cheaper. You don't need to buy a ticket in advance this way and thus can't forget; you just need to tap in and out at the readers. Of course you could also consider using Oyster with a Railcard applied, as that is valid on all transport across London, whereas KeyGo is only valid on Thameslink/Southern etc. trains, and only within a certain area (see map here).

 

[fandroid]

If you have read any other threads from people caught alighting from Thameslink trains at any central London station you'll know that "short faring" happens at an epidemic level as there are almost no ticket checks on the trains themselves. You weren't given a penalty fare ("fined") because the train company GTR will want to check your ticket buying history to see if you are doing this.

If you live near Elephant and Castle I advise that you obtain proof of this and provide it to GTR in order to head off any accusations of short-faring. It's really not usual for passengers to regularly do the journey you describe using e-tickets. They use an Oyster card, with their Railcard loaded onto it.

 

[purplerain58]

If you have read any other threads from people caught alighting from Thameslink trains at any central London station you'll know that "short faring" happens at an epidemic level as there are almost no ticket checks on the trains themselves. You weren't given a penalty fare ("fined") because the train company GTR will want to check your ticket buying history to see if you are doing this.

Hi thanks for the response. How would they check my ticket history? Should I share previous examples?
When you say short faring are you referring to a situation where I'd be getting on before Elephant and Castle but pretending I was getting on there? I'm just wondering if I could accidentally have been short faring somehow.

 

[WesternLancer]

Good afternoon

About 4 months ago I was stopped by fare officers. Today I recevied the Intention to Prosecute letter, and I would like some advice on how to proceed.

I will start by summarising what happened:
I commute to work from Elephant and Castle to City Thameslink most days. I usually buy a ticket on Trainline as I have a 16-25 railcard. On this particular day I was running late for a train (and those who know Elephant and Castle knows there are no barriers) so I sprinted to catch my train and got on. Once on the train I bought my ticket. When I arrived at City TL I noticed there were revenue officers at the gates. I didn't think anything of this as I had what I thought was a valid ticket, so I tapped my ticket on the gates but it didn't work. The officer asked to look at my ticket, and it was at this point that he told me my ticket wasn't valid because I paid for it less than 10 minutes ago (the journey itself is only around 10 minutes). He took my details and told me I'd receive a letter in the post detailing the next steps. I was baffled as I genuinely did not know this was a thing, and I didn't put up a fight. However, I received the letter today and it's honestly scared me a lot as it's harshly worded and I really don't want to go to court over such a minor thing.

I'm planning on printing the ticket details showing the timestamps, and an attachment of my valid railcard. I will outline my sincere apologies, explain that I am aware of why it's fare evading, and explain that this was a one off case. I will also offer to pay the full fare + admin costs to settle OOC.

What baffles me though is that if I was aware that I was 'fare evading', I would've simply stood on the platform for 5 minutes and waited for the ticket to be active. That's why I think it was particularly harsh that they didn't fine me. I travel that way most days and always pay before boarding, it was just this one time when I was rushing that I did it after I got on the train.

How should I reply? Can someone give me their opinion and reassure me I won't be taken to court over this?

Thank you.

Ps. before you reiterate that I did commit an offence because I traveled without a ticket - I know this is true now! I don't need reminding.

as you say you know some / much of this already but this advice that has been drafted up by another experienced forum member and often posted might be of help to you re the stage you are in now - apols if any of it not relevant but easier for you to see it all:



Firstly, you committed a criminal offence by travelling with an invalid ticket and railway companies are entitled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court if they want to. The good news is they will normally offer an out of court settlement to people who co-operate with them and who haven't come to their attention before.

Next, what happens is the railway company will write to you. The letter will go to the address that you gave them / on any of your ID they checked so you need to be able to access hard copy post at that address as they often send things that way (but also check e-mail and spam). It is extremely important that you reply, and you'll only have a limited time to do so (often 14 days from the date on their communication).

When you receive the letter post a redacted copy of it in this thread, along with your draft reply and forum members will proof read it for you. You'll find lots of example letters you can use in this section of the forum but the reply basically needs to mention:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident and will not do this again
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the railway company’s administrative costs in dealing with the matter

The railway will probably offer you an out of court settlement. Expect to have to pay the cost of the fare for the journey you made at the full Anytime rate with no credit given for the invalid ticket you purchased. In addition they will charge an admin fee, typically £150. They will also audit your online ticket purchase history and if this shows you've purchased other tickets that were not valid (eg railcard discounted tickets when you did not have a valid railcard, or tickets for only part of the journey, or tickets bought after boarding the train you travelled on ) they will probably factor the cost of these journeys into the settlement offer. Depending on how many journeys you've made over the period concerned this could end up being expensive.

Settlements usually have to be paid in full within a few days of them being offered so if money is tight you might want to think about how you will raise the sum required at short notice.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

When you say short faring are you referring to a situation where I'd be getting on before Elephant and Castle but pretending I was getting on there?

Yes, exactly that.
People travel from further out but only but a ticket for a short distance to get the barriers to let them out.
An e-ticket within the London contactless zone is often seen as suspicious.

 

[purplerain58]

Yes, exactly that.
People travel from further out but only but a ticket for a short distance to get the barriers to let them out.
An e-ticket within the London contactless zone is often seen as suspicious.

Gotcha. Thanks. In that case they will not find evidence of this.

 

[John R]

Presumably your address is consistent with a commute from Elephant and Castle?

And if they look at your account they won’t find online purchases in the morning other than in July and August (because contactless/Oyster would then be substantially cheaper)?

These are things they may look at to confirm whether they believe your account.

 

[purplerain58]

Presumably your address is consistent with a commute from Elephant and Castle?

And if they look at your account they won’t find online purchases in the morning other than in July and August (because contactless/Oyster would then be substantially cheaper)?

These are things they may look at to confirm whether they believe your account.

Yes my address is in Elephant and Castle.
Not sure if I understand what you mean with the second question. I have used online purchases a few times before because it gives me a discount with my railcard. I have also used contactless before to pay. Since the incident I haven't used Thameslink at all, only bus.

 

[WesternLancer]

Yes my address is in Elephant and Castle.
Not sure if I understand what you mean with the second question. I have used online purchases a few times before because it gives me a discount with my railcard. I have also used contactless before to pay. Since the incident I haven't used Thameslink at all, only bus.

@John R means they won't find a record of a ticket bought by you on an on line ticket retail site's records from say Brighton to Hassocks to get you through the barrier at Brighton - and then no ticket for the gap in the middle - so called doughnuting evasion. Something that happens a lot so they will think to check stuff like that for tickets used for v short trips in London where people are not using Oyster or contactless for example

But obv if you live in Elephant ad Castle that would be unlikely

 

[purplerain58]

@John R means they won't find a record of a ticket bought by you on an on line ticket retail site's records from say Brighton to Hassocks to get you through the barrier at Brighton - and then no ticket for the gap in the middle - so called doughnuting evasion. Something that happens a lot so they will think to check stuff like that for tickets used for v short trips in London where people are not using Oyster or contactless for example

But obv if you live in Elephant ad Castle that would be unlikely

Ah got it. No they won't. I literally only use trainline for commuting or for long distance trips

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Dec 2025 ==

I have updated my letter, is someone able to advise please?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you regarding your letter titled “Notice of Intention to Prosecute" dated 17th Dec 2025. (Reference: xxxxxxxxxxxx).

I often commute to work from Elephant and Castle to City Thameslink. I buy my ticket online as I have a 16-25 railcard (see attached proof). On this particular day I was running late for work so I sprinted to catch the next train. As soon as I stepped onto the train I bought my ticket, and arrived into City Thameslink around 8 minutes later. Once leaving the train I scanned my ticket on the barriers, but they didn’t open. An officer asked to look at my ticket, and when I showed it to him he explained that it wasn’t valid as I paid for it less than 10 minutes before. It was here where he took my details, and I did not challenge this.

Up until this point I did not realise this counted as a criminal offence. Had I known this prior to the incident, I would not have done this. I now understand what I did was wrong, and I can only sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused you. This will not happen again.

As this is an honest mistake, I would appreciate this matter being settled amicably without the need for court action. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare, including any administrative costs in dealing with the matter.

Sincerely,
xxxxx

 

[z444z]

I’ve made a few edits. Please read it over carefully and make sure everything you are saying is true.

I wouldn’t bother asking them to take into account the fare paid, certainly not at this stage anyway, it isn’t worth potentially aggravating them over a few pounds.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you regarding your letter titled “Notice of Intention to Prosecute" dated 17th Dec 2025. (Reference: xxxxxxxxxxxx).

I commute to work from Elephant and Castle to City Thameslink and can provide evidence of my home and work addresses if required. I buy my ticket online as I have a 16-25 railcard (evidence attached). On this particular day I was running late for work so I sprinted to catch the next train. As soon as I stepped onto the train I bought my ticket, and arrived into City Thameslink around 8 minutes later. After leaving the train I scanned my ticket at the barriers, but they didn’t open. An officer asked to see my ticket, and when I showed it to him he explained that it wasn’t valid as I paid for it less than 10 minutes before. He then asked for my details, which I provided.

I was not aware that this was a criminal offence and would not have done this had I known - however this is not an excuse and I now appreciate the seriousness of my actions. I sincerely apologise for the impact and inconvenience this has caused to GTR. I can assure you that this will not happen again.

I am keen to resolve this matter promptly and without the need for court proceedings. I would therefore be very grateful if you would allow me to settle the matter by paying the outstanding fare as well as your administrative costs.

Sincerely,
xxxxx

 

[ChilliSauce]

If when stopped you gave your address as Elephant and Castle then I suspect GTR are struggling to try and find / prove short ticketing . In which case they are looking at your single over-sight .. which in the big scheme of things is actually quite trivia.

 

[Kilopylae]

I wouldn’t bother asking them to take into account the fare paid, certainly not at this stage anyway, it isn’t worth potentially aggravating them over a few pounds.

Not opining on the merits either way, but asking for it to be deducted was what Watershed advised:

You travelled before the National Rail Conditions of Travel were changed on 23 November, to state that tickets bought after boarding aren't valid (though the enforceability of that new clause is highly questionable). So your ticket was valid, and its cost should be deducted from any settlement since you have paid the fare.

 

[z444z]

Not opining on the merits either way, but asking for it to be deducted was what Watershed advised:

I read @Watershed’s message as saying what should happen in theory, not recommending that the OP ask for it to be deducted.

 

[ChilliSauce]

Not opining on the merits either way, but asking for it to be deducted was what Watershed advised:

Is there really a settlement to be paid ...if no case to answer ?

 

[z444z]

Is there really a settlement to be paid ...if no case to answer ?

There does seem to be a case to answer for the byelaw 18 offence of entering a train for travel without being in possession of a valid ticket.