Advice on fare evasion prosecution

[CrispyDot]

I boarded the Great Northern 0946 departure from Royston to London King’s Cross without a valid ticket, got caught on the train and attempted to show a ticket that was purchased in haste after the train departed (anytime single RYS to London terminals with 16-25 railcard purchased online), so I have been written up and will apparently get a letter about prosecution rather than just a penalty fare. I panicked answered "yes" to the inspector's question of whether I intended to avoid paying the fare when I got on the train. I received the attached paperwork.

I do have some history of fare evading, probably not more than a few hundred quid in total. Not sure how they would check this? I do hold a valid 16-25 railcard. I received the attached paperwork from the inspector.

Just looking for some idea of what to expect (worst/average case scenario how much should I be saving) and any steps I might be able to take to minimise damage. Thanks.

 

[z444z]

GTR will write to you, probably in 3-4 months. When you say not more than a few hundred quid, unless that’s at Anytime fares, GTR will want more than that. They’ll also want an admin fee on top, probably £150ish.

There’s nothing to do until they write to you except paying the correct fare going forward. Come back here when they do and we can help.

 

[WesternLancer]

I boarded the Great Northern 0946 departure from Royston to London King’s Cross without a valid ticket, got caught on the train and attempted to show a ticket that was purchased in haste after the train departed (anytime single RYS to London terminals with 16-25 railcard purchased online), so I have been written up and will apparently get a letter about prosecution rather than just a penalty fare. I panicked answered "yes" to the inspector's question of whether I intended to avoid paying the fare when I got on the train. I received the attached paperwork.

I do have some history of fare evading, probably not more than a few hundred quid in total. Not sure how they would check this? I do hold a valid 16-25 railcard. I received the attached paperwork from the inspector.

Just looking for some idea of what to expect (worst/average case scenario how much should I be saving) and any steps I might be able to take to minimise damage. Thanks.

welcome
you can see what to expect by having a look at various other threads - have a look for ones involving the same train operator involved. Keep that paperwork safe - it's important you can access the information on it if you need to.

As explained, you will not be getting a Penalty Fare (not least because you admitted you deliberately intended to evade the fare) if you were not issued with one then and there.

This general guidance often given on the forum will give you an idea what to expect - but if you have a habit of evading fares you need to know the potential consequences can be a criminal conviction. Part of the way to avoiding that is to convince them you have changed your ways so you need to seriously ensure you are always travelling with the correct ticket, and that you have bought the ticket before you step on the train. Their ticket checking scanners are usually set up to automatically flag people whose ticket has been bought after the train departed the relevant station.

Have a read of this to know what to expect:

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.

 

[SuspectUsual]

Not sure how they would check this?

If you've been buying tickets online and they scanned the ticket you bought on the train, they have access to your purchase history

any steps I might be able to take to minimise damage

1 - pay the right fare every time going forward

2- do NOT delete your online account - it doesn't remove the historic data, and all that will happen is the train company can still see it but you can't

3 - try and work out exactly what kind of total you think you've evaded, and from that calculate how much they may demand. If they offer you an out of court settlement you'll likely need to pay it quickly, so if you need to start saving, crack on

 

[CrispyDot]

If you've been buying tickets online and they scanned the ticket you bought on the train, they have access to your purchase history




1 - pay the right fare every time going forward

2- do NOT delete your online account - it doesn't remove the historic data, and all that will happen is the train company can still see it but you can't

3 - try and work out exactly what kind of total you think you've evaded, and from that calculate how much they may demand. If they offer you an out of court settlement you'll likely need to pay it quickly, so if you need to start saving, crack on

Thanks for the advice. Does access to my payment history go for just the app/TOC from which I bought that ticket, or any accounts with the same email address/info? Also would they be able to track evasion with no direct paper trail such as travelling to and from stations with not barriers, or oyster entry/exit tap points on the platform to transfer straight to the tube? Trying to work out how much I might need to save.

 

[SuspectUsual]

Does access to my payment history go for just the app/TOC from which I bought that ticket, or any accounts with the same email address/info? Also would they be able to track evasion with no direct paper trail such as travelling to and from stations with not barriers, or oyster entry/exit tap points on the platform to transfer straight to the tube? Trying to work out how much I might need to save.

I don't know; others might.

However, you know the scale of your offending regardless of the specifics of each individual occasion, so surely your best way forward is to prepare for the worst case scenario where you have to pay for everything? Anything else is then a bonus, of sorts

 

[MarlowDonkey]

Does access to my payment history go for just the app/TOC from which I bought that ticket, or any accounts with the same email address/info? Also would they be able to track evasion with no direct paper trail such as travelling to and from stations with not barriers, or oyster entry/exit tap points on the platform to transfer straight to the tube? Trying to work out how much I might need to save.

They will draw inferences from the tickets which you have bought rather than where they were scanned. They may also be able to trace your Oyster or contactless usages. They can also look at whether your ticketing purchasing is consistent with where you live and where you work.

If they offer you a settlement amount it is likely to have been based on journeys where they think you have avoided the correct fare. If you want to avoid prosecution it's probable you have to accept what they ask for.

 

[fandroid]

GTR have got you over a barrel. They can take you to court for boarding a train without a ticket. They'll decide what they think you avoided paying for in addition to that and ask for their money back plus their admin fee in order for you to avoid a criminal conviction. It will be difficult for you to find evidence to argue against whatever they ask for.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thanks for the advice. Does access to my payment history go for just the app/TOC from which I bought that ticket, or any accounts with the same email address/info? Also would they be able to track evasion with no direct paper trail such as travelling to and from stations with not barriers, or oyster entry/exit tap points on the platform to transfer straight to the tube? Trying to work out how much I might need to save.

Basically they can potentially access all the information from whoever you buy tickets from and whoever you travel with - bar code scans on tickets and oyster touches leave an extensive digital fingerprint trace and the rail industry work together to investigate this if they wish to do so.

They will make assumptions like where your address is compared with the stations you claim to buy tickets to and from and can and do ask questions about why you regularly buy tickets to a station where you appear to have no connection with / can provide no reason for going there and they can draw conclusions from all that.

There is no GDPR restriction as this relates to the 'prevention of crime' which is exempt.

Now they have caught you you are 'on their radar'.

They might not do all that - but you need to be prepared that they could.

Having said all this if they think you are being honest and reasonable they will typically be reasonable with you.

 

[ihatetrainss]

Their ticket checking scanners are usually set up to automatically flag people whose ticket has been bought after the train departed the relevant station.

This is something I havent heard of before... is this only in London/area or is this in place all over the country/all train companies? Also is there like a grace period?

 

[Mattplans]

This is something I havent heard of before... is this only in London/area or is this in place all over the country/all train companies? Also is there like a grace period?

Even if it they aren't configured to flag specifically, this type of fare evasion has become very common, I imagine the management of all companies now advise their RPIs to check the purchase time as well. If the time of purchase was just 2-3 minutes ago, we can all agree it is highly likely that it was bought on the train. But that depends on the location/time of departure from last stop, etc.

Not entirely sure you have to worry about Oyster checks - at least we haven't seen a case yet where a TOC has used oyster to inform such an investigation.

 

[John R]

Also is there like a grace period?

We have seen cases where someone has been completing the sale as they step on the train and before it has moved off and have still been reported for prosecution.

 

[ihatetrainss]

We have seen cases where someone has been completing the sale as they step on the train and before it has moved off and have still been reported for prosecution.

Even if it they aren't configured to flag specifically, this type of fare evasion has become very common, I imagine the management of all companies now advise their RPIs to check the purchase time as well. If the time of purchase was just 2-3 minutes ago, we can all agree it is highly likely that it was bought on the train. But that depends on the location/time of departure from last stop, etc.

Not entirely sure you have to worry about Oyster checks - at least we haven't seen a case yet where a TOC has used oyster to inform such an investigation.

No way! I had no idea they are that strict! If you buy it before the train leaves I'm shocked it doesn't count as a valid ticket? I know someone that has bought their ticket onboard but not been charged to my knowledge... I wonder if the ticket inspector can see the time the ticket was bought? Also, are RPIs just the individuals at train stations or does that include onboard ticket inspectors? (sorry im new here)

 

[SuspectUsual]

I wonder if the ticket inspector can see the time the ticket was bought?

They generally can, yes

 

[John R]

It's very clear in the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

https://assets.nationalrail.co.uk/e8xgegruud3g/5IgHi2XuUatwG68aNDLr1E/61a268420f9e051431e2adca8fdd2e12/National_Rail_Conditions_of_Travel_2025.pdf

In particular Section 6 repeatedly makes the point that it is when you board a train, not when the train departs. eg

6.1 Your Requirement to Have a Valid Ticket to Travel INFORMATION: In order to be valid, some Tickets must be activated or endorsed with a date of travel before you board a train. This is made clear in the terms & conditions of those Tickets. ‘Ticket’ includes a validated contactless payment card where accepted. The ‘Ticket’ definition in Appendix B gives more information. You must hold a valid Ticket or authority to travel for the journey you intend to make before you board a train unless at the time, one of the following circumstances applies at the station you depart from:

(Note the text is bolded in the original document.)

6.2 In any circumstances other than those set out at 6.1 above, in the event that you purchase a Ticket after you board a train (either onboard the train using an internet service or upon arrival at your destination station) the Train Company is entitled to treat any such Ticket as an invalid Ticket and take action in accordance with Condition 9 accordingly.

 

[WesternLancer]

No way! I had no idea they are that strict! If you buy it before the train leaves I'm shocked it doesn't count as a valid ticket?

There has been a discussion on here some time ago about if the train is at the starting station sat in the platform for 10 mins or so before it leaves and you sit on it and then buy your ticket on line well before the train actually leaves if that would be an offence or not - I can't recall the conclusion* , but I suspect it really applies at a stop if you get on, sit down, then buy a ticket - that's a 'no no' - some train companies use the phrase 'Buy before you board' - the best thing to do is to interpret that literally if you want to be on the safe side.

But you are not required to use a phone to buy a ticket so there are some limited exceptions to this situation.

*edit - I see post 15 quotes the actual official rules - which is what would be relied upon in a court room situation I suppose.

I know someone that has bought their ticket onboard but not been charged to my knowledge...

Well, you might get staff prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt

I wonder if the ticket inspector can see the time the ticket was bought? Also, are RPIs just the individuals at train stations or does that include onboard ticket inspectors? (sorry im new here)

RPIs would typically be different than gate line staff at barriers or guards on trains - both of which will check tickets amongst other duties. RPIs (Revenue Protection Inspectors) will have, AIUI, the dedicated job of dealing with ticket checks which they would do thoroughly - you might encounter them on a train, at a barrier line or on the platform going about their work.

 

[CrispyDot]

Hello, I've received my letter from an incident back in January where I deliberately fare evaded, which I genuinely regret and will not repeat.

I'm already 9 days into the 14-day reply period, since the address it was sent to is not my actual home address so it took a week for the family I have living there to send me a photo of the letter. I still do not have the physical letter, is it okay to just send a reply on a standalone printed piece of paper, rather then sending them back their own letter with the space for a response filled in?

Letter I received is attached, and see below my draft reply. Let me know if this looks okay or if there's anything I can word better or have left out. Many thanks in advance for your help.

----
Dear Sir/Madam,

Reference: GTRXXX

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your letter dated 17th April 2026.

I am writing to offer my sincere apologies for the incident on XX January 2026, where I did not have a valid ticket for my journey. I accept that I did not hold a valid ticket for the journey I intended to make, travelling from Royston to London King’s Cross.

Before boarding the train I arrived at the station at the entrance which has no ticket barrier, and entered the platform. I do not regularly use this line, and in my poor judgement I did not believe it was likely there would be inspectors on the train. When approached on the train by the inspector, I panicked and purchased a ticket on my phone and offered it to the inspector, knowing this was deceitful and I needed to have had a ticket before boarding the train.

I take full responsibility for this, and I am deeply embarrassed about my decision. I was foolish and short-sighted, and I deeply regret my actions. Upon reflecting on the incident, I have a clear understanding of the problems fare evasion causes for the railway, its staff, and other passengers who pay their way. I know that the revenue from fares is used to provide rail services and maintain infrastructure, and so my decision to avoid paying was both unfair on fare-paying passengers, and has an impact on the railways as a whole. As soon as I was caught by the inspector, I cooperated fully with the questions, admitted my error, and provided my identification. I have learned from my mistake, and I am absolutely certain it will not happen again.

I would be extremely grateful if you would consider allowing me to resolve this matter by way of an out-of-court settlement. I am more than willing to pay the full fare for my journey plus with any administrative costs incurred in dealing with my case. Please accept these sincere apologies for my actions, and thank you for your time and consideration.

NB: The address your letter was sent to (which was the address on the identification I provided) is no longer where I reside, so any further communication would be best sent to my current address as follows:
XXX
XXX

Yours faithfully,
XXX

 

[Hadders]

I still do not have the physical letter, is it okay to just send a reply on a standalone printed piece of paper, rather then sending them back their own letter with the space for a response filled in?

A standalone printed piece of paper is fine, but do make sure your case reference number is clearly written on it. Remeber to keep a copy for your own records.

 

[John R]

I guess you could add in the last paragraph. "Alternatively, if more convenient for your reply, my email address is xxx.xxx.xxx."

 

[WesternLancer]

Hello, I've received my letter from an incident back in January where I deliberately fare evaded, which I genuinely regret and will not repeat.

I'm already 9 days into the 14-day reply period, since the address it was sent to is not my actual home address so it took a week for the family I have living there to send me a photo of the letter. I still do not have the physical letter, is it okay to just send a reply on a standalone printed piece of paper, rather then sending them back their own letter with the space for a response filled in?

Letter I received is attached, and see below my draft reply. Let me know if this looks okay or if there's anything I can word better or have left out. Many thanks in advance for your help.
View attachment 203175View attachment 203176
----
Dear Sir/Madam,

Reference: GTRXXX

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your letter dated 17th April 2026.

I am writing to offer my sincere apologies for the incident on XX January 2026, where I did not have a valid ticket for my journey. I accept that I did not hold a valid ticket for the journey I intended to make, travelling from Royston to London King’s Cross.

Before boarding the train I arrived at the station at the entrance which has no ticket barrier, and entered the platform. I do not regularly use this line, and in my poor judgement I did not believe it was likely there would be inspectors on the train. When approached on the train by the inspector, I panicked and purchased a ticket on my phone and offered it to the inspector, knowing this was deceitful and I needed to have had a ticket before boarding the train.

I take full responsibility for this, and I am deeply embarrassed about my decision. I was foolish and short-sighted, and I deeply regret my actions. Upon reflecting on the incident, I have a clear understanding of the problems fare evasion causes for the railway, its staff, and other passengers who pay their way. I know that the revenue from fares is used to provide rail services and maintain infrastructure, and so my decision to avoid paying was both unfair on fare-paying passengers, and has an impact on the railways as a whole. As soon as I was caught by the inspector, I cooperated fully with the questions, admitted my error, and provided my identification. I have learned from my mistake, and I am absolutely certain it will not happen again.

I would be extremely grateful if you would consider allowing me to resolve this matter by way of an out-of-court settlement. I am more than willing to pay the full fare for my journey plus with any administrative costs incurred in dealing with my case. Please accept these sincere apologies for my actions, and thank you for your time and consideration.

NB: The address your letter was sent to (which was the address on the identification I provided) is no longer where I reside, so any further communication would be best sent to my current address as follows:
XXX
XXX

Yours faithfully,
XXX

As stated above it's find to send this as a stand alone reply - it does need to be hard copy though.

Ensure anything their letter asks you is included in your reply if you can't send back the original

- As well as your ref number include your old address on it somewhere (to help them match the case as a second check to someone mis reading the ref number for example) and the new address - perhaps also put the new address in bold (the NB paragraph bit)

- Sign the letter with your signature by hand when you have printed it out

- add your e-mail address and ask them if they can send their reply by e-mail as suggested too (but be sure to include the new postal address as well as per your draft)

- keep a copy of what is sent (ie the signed version)

- It is important to post it to them tracked postage so you know it has been delivered - keep the tracking record - post it tracked 24 or tracked 48 (cheaper). Go to a local post office to do that.

 

[CrispyDot]

Thanks everyone, sent the letter with tracked post. Hopefully this resolves the issue and I can just pay what I owe. Appreciate the advice.