Using an expired railcard for over a year

[igor23937]

Hi,

I am a student at uni in surrey, however I’m from kent originally. I was stopped today on a GWR track from Guildford to Redhill and asked for my railcard, I was happy to give this. I come to find my railcard had been expired since October 2024 I haven’t had my card checked since before then so I have never really thought about it. It is a genuine and honest mistake. However, all my tickets etc are on the Southeastern app due to me being from Kent - rather than GWR or SWR. The officer has reported me, taken my details etc. He started an interview which I declined. I offered to buy a new railcard - which I have now. I have calculated approximately 31 journeys in that time that add up to a fare of around £700 after the railcard discount. What do we think happens here? I would much prefer to settle this out of court and really do not want to have a criminal record. I am happy to pay whatever I need to.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi,

I am a student at uni in surrey, however I’m from kent originally. I was stopped today on a GWR track from Guildford to Redhill and asked for my railcard, I was happy to give this. I come to find my railcard had been expired since October 2024 I haven’t had my card checked since before then so I have never really thought about it. It is a genuine and honest mistake. However, all my tickets etc are on the Southeastern app due to me being from Kent - rather than GWR or SWR. The officer has reported me, taken my details etc. He started an interview which I declined. I offered to buy a new railcard - which I have now. I have calculated approximately 31 journeys in that time that add up to a fare of around £700 after the railcard discount. What do we think happens here? I would much prefer to settle this out of court and really do not want to have a criminal record. I am happy to pay whatever I need to.

So long as you engage with them they will settle out of court with you I would expect.
They will want you to pay for all the tickets you have incorrectly discounted potentially at the punitively expensive Anytime fare. Plus an admin fee c£100

Did you give them your correct name and address. It’s vital you receive their correspondence so also check email and spam.
Might be some weeks before they contact you.

Start saving up!

If you are still entitled to one buy a new railcard now. It’s something you can say you have done to proactively prevent this happening again. Something you can say as a reason not to prosecute.

 

[igor23937]

So long as you engage with them they will settle out of court with you I would expect.
They will want you to pay for all the tickets you have incorrectly discounted potentially at the punitively expensive Anytime fare. Plus an admin fee c£100

Did you give them your correct name and address. It’s vital you receive their correspondence so also check email and spam.
Might be some weeks before they contact you.

Start saving up!

Thank you for your quick reply! I’m happy to co-operate with them absolutely. How would I calculate this?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==

And Yes they have all my correct details

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you for your quick reply! I’m happy to co-operate with them absolutely. How would I calculate this?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==

And Yes they have all my correct details

Can advise you on that later. No hurry on this as it will be weeks before they contact you.

Have a look for the GWR revenue protection policy pdf booklet on their website. Download that and have a read. Useful explanation of their approach is set out in that.

 

[igor23937]

Amazing thank you very much.

I’m very nervous they will try take me to court or give me a criminal record.

If I cooperated well, would they offer instalments or time/oppurtunity to get a credit card?

 

[WesternLancer]

Unfortunately they will pursue erroneous discounts for tickets on other train companies too. Not just GWR.
This is standard practice. Each company acts on behalf of all the others in these situations.

Make a list of every journey
Listed on your online booking record sine your railcard expired. With any train operator.

Find proof of purchase of that railcard and also any older ones you may have a record of. This is important preparation you can be doing at this stage.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

How would I calculate this?

Often calculated at the full Anytime Day Single fare for each and every of the 31 journeys made using inappropriately discounted tickets. A return journey = two singles. Plus the admin fee added on top.

I come to find my railcard had been expired since October 2024 I haven’t had my card checked since before then so I have never really thought about it. It is a genuine and honest mistake.

Unfortunately, this does seem a little careless on your part. Definitely still sortable, though, just it will cost.

 

[igor23937]

Often calculated at the full Anytime Day Single fare for each and every of the 31 journeys made using inappropriately discounted tickets. A return journey = two singles. Plus the admin fee added on top.
Unfortunately, this does seem a little careless on your part. Definitely still sortable, though, just it will cost.

Yes I agree. I’m happy to take accountability and get it sorted.

 

[WesternLancer]

Amazing thank you very much.

I’m very nervous they will try take me to court or give me a criminal record.

If I cooperated well, would they offer instalments or time/oppurtunity to get a credit card?

They don’t usually accept instalments. But you could pay by credit card.
Maybe talk to trusted family members who could lend you funds that you could repay in instalments. Would that be an option for you?

 

[igor23937]

They don’t usually accept instalments. But you could pay by credit card.
Maybe talk to trusted family members who could lend you funds that you could repay in instalments. Would that be an option for you?

Yes that could be good. Thank you! How long do you reckon till I would need to actually pay them anything? I’m setting myself a 2 grand savings for it to prepare

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My other issue is that I embark on a tour of a show come August, so I will be away from home until June 27. I can have parents on the lookout for post etc. But will they be able to write on my behalf? Or can I write and post from afar?

 

[SECR 65]

Yes that could be good. Thank you! How long do you reckon till I would need to actually pay them anything? I’m setting myself a 2 grand savings for it to prepare

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==

My other issue is that I embark on a tour of a show come August, so I will be away from home until June 27. I can have parents on the lookout for post etc. But will they be able to write on my behalf? Or can I write and post from afar?

You can probably write from afar.

If not type what you want to say, email it to parents, who can print and send on your behalf.

The main thing is that you get the initial letter. Once that's happened most other barriers can be overcome - reply by email etc.

 

[igor23937]

Is it worth emailing them first? Or wait for them to get back to me?

I have gone through my account and have seen a few mistakenly bought tickets with a Network Railcard. My mother has one, but I do not. I’m not aware of the rules for the railcard, however I have never been checked. These will most likely be mistakes as on Southeastern app it is easy to misclick, however I know this won’t ever cut as an excuse.

I know this is so avoidable and I am embarrassed that I’ve let this happen as it’s causing so much anxiety! I am happy to take full responsibility

 

[saismee]

How strict are GWR/their contractor regarding the owed amount? Would it be a possibility that OP could ask for a reduction in the settlement offer with credit for the paid fares? I believe we have seen GTR request only the admin fee + difference in cost here, and OP has been very co-operative it seems.

 

[WesternLancer]

Is it worth emailing them first? Or wait for them to get back to me?

I have gone through my account and have seen a few mistakenly bought tickets with a Network Railcard. My mother has one, but I do not. I’m not aware of the rules for the railcard, however I have never been checked. These will most likely be mistakes as on Southeastern app it is easy to misclick, however I know this won’t ever cut as an excuse.

I know this is so avoidable and I am embarrassed that I’ve let this happen as it’s causing so much anxiety! I am happy to take full responsibility

No. There is no point in e mailing them until they contact you.
You won’t even be set up on their systems yet as front line staff will hand over information to back office and if you search other GWR cases on here it’s obvious they have a significant backlog.

Just use the time available to prepare for what will happen in due course. Not least to save up some money.

 

[igor23937]

No. There is no point in e mailing them until they contact you.
You won’t even be set up on their systems yet as front line staff will hand over information to back office and if you search other GWR cases on here it’s obvious they have a significant backlog.

Just use the time available to prepare for what will happen in due course. Not least to save up some money.

So definitely no prison? That’s my biggest worry.

And what are the chances of criminal record/court.

I’m happy to pay whatever fines, I’m just so worried about other prosecution

 

[WesternLancer]

How strict are GWR/their contractor regarding the owed amount? Would it be a possibility that OP could ask for a reduction in the settlement offer with credit for the paid fares? I believe we have seen GTR request only the admin fee + difference in cost.

GWR usually take into account what’s already been paid when offering a settlement.
They do the work in house from what we see. Which is better.

 

[saismee]

So definitely no prison? That’s my biggest worry.

And what are the chances of criminal record/court.

I’m happy to pay whatever fines, I’m just so worried about other prosecution

Certainly no prison.

What you want here is a settlement (not a fine which is issued upon being found guilty in court). As long as you continue to co-operate with GWR then you are most likely to get one. Bear in mind it is in both of your interests to settle: GWR get more money, you don't get a conviction. Going to court takes more time and effort, and prosecuting someone for an expired railcard could lead to some questionable PR for GWR.

 

[WesternLancer]

So definitely no prison? That’s my biggest worry.

And what are the chances of criminal record/court.

I’m happy to pay whatever fines, I’m just so worried about other prosecution

Zero chance of prison. Just not an option in the sentencing guidelines even if it went to court. Unless you eg assaulted staff when stopped….

It would be court fine plus costs and relatively minor criminal record IF it went to court.
But you objective is to avoid court anyway.
That is an achievable objective.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==

Certainly no prison.

What you want here is a settlement (not a fine which is issued upon being found guilty in court). As long as you continue to co-operate with GWR then you are most likely to get one. Bear in mind it is in both of your interests to settle: GWR get more money, you don't get a conviction. Going to court takes more time and effort, and prosecuting someone for an expired railcard could lead to some questionable PR for GWR.

Well put.

 

[igor23937]

Okay good, that will relieve anxiety. Thank you for your help. I did not assault staff or anything hahaha.

Avoiding court is definitely achievable if I'm co-operative and write letters well. I've read lots of drafts around forums, but would people be happy to help me when the time comes.

 

[WesternLancer]

Okay good, that will relieve anxiety. Thank you for your help. I did not assault staff or anything hahaha.

Avoiding court is definitely achievable if I'm co-operative and write letters well. I've read lots of drafts around forums, but would people be happy to help me when the time comes.

People here will certainly proof read anything you want to send them.
And answer questions at any stage you want information.

If you don’t hear in c 4 months be sure to come back here for advice on options at that point.

 

[saismee]

Okay good, that will relieve anxiety. Thank you for your help. I did not assault staff or anything hahaha.

Avoiding court is definitely achievable if I'm co-operative and write letters well. I've read lots of drafts around forums, but would people be happy to help me when the time comes.

Members of the forum would be very happy to help you draft up your letter. For now, work on saving. If you get a settlement and it's less than you've saved then it's like a little treat at the end of this otherwise unpleasant situation

 

[igor23937]

Thank you guys! How do I keep manage of time as I am quite prone to forgetting as we've learned. Shall I put a reminder on a calendar for 4 months till now?

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I forgot to mention... I was given a valid ticket for the rest of my journey with writing on the back.

Says MG11 and then some sort of "GWR RPI" and an authorised user number that starts with FG. I have no clue what this means, but could this help me? I'm cautious of posting the entire thing on here. It had nothing for me to sign or anything like that. Just simply that information. Is it worth getting ahead of the game now I have this and holding my hands up - or waiting for them to contact me to buy time for saving etc. Trying to do everything I can to stay co-operative and honest.

 

[AlterEgo]

Wait for them. They've been taking up to two years to do anything lately and they are about to be nationalised. Your case may be dropped or lapse or the government may have a change of heart with relation to pursuing old cases. There is no advantage to chasing them now.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you guys! How do I keep manage of time as I am quite prone to forgetting as we've learned. Shall I put a reminder on a calendar for 4 months till now?

Yes. Make a note on your calendar or set your phone to remind you.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==

I forgot to mention... I was given a valid ticket for the rest of my journey with writing on the back.

Says MG11 and then some sort of "GWR RPI" and an authorised user number that starts with FG. I have no clue what this means, but could this help me? I'm cautious of posting the entire thing on here. It had nothing for me to sign or anything like that. Just simply that information.

Just keep that safe. Take a photo of it in case you need it later.

Is it worth getting ahead of the game now I have this and holding my hands up

No. Do not try to contact them about this now.

- or waiting for them to contact me to buy time for saving etc. Trying to do everything I can to stay co-operative and honest.

Yes. Wait for them to contact you.

 

[igor23937]

Do you reckon from first initial contact, I will have a bit of time till I need to pay anything. Like will they ask for my point of view etc before dumping settlement on me. Just trying to work out saving. Realistically how long do I have to save £2k. I’m on a full time weekly salary from end of June so i would start saving then

 

[WesternLancer]

Do you reckon from first initial contact, I will have a bit of time till I need to pay anything. Like will they ask for my point of view etc before dumping settlement on me. Just trying to work out saving. Realistically how long do I have to save £2k. I’m on a full time weekly salary from end of June so i would start saving then

Once they write to you, asking for your version of events / explanation, and you reply - things tend to happen quite quickly - eg maybe within 2 weeks or so.

The issue is that they might not write to you for some time (certainly unlikely to be faster than 6 to 8 weeks, and we see occasional cases on here of GWR following up things after 2 years). They would try to contact you within 6 months however, which is why if you have not heard from them within 4 months it is worth thinking about what, if anything, you might want to do at that point.

 

[RPI]

With GWR you will receive an offer which will include credit for all fares paid, so usually you'll be charged the difference between what you have paid and the Anytime/Anytime Day Single. From what I understand, payment plans aren't unheard of but also not by any means the default, you seem to be accepting and taking responsibility for what's happened, so I'd suggest that when written to you liaise with them, at the end of the day, if you would struggle to pay the amount in one go then there's absolutely no harm in asking the question of them as to whether you can have a payment plan.

 

[igor23937]

With GWR you will receive an offer which will include credit for all fares paid, so usually you'll be charged the difference between what you have paid and the Anytime/Anytime Day Single. From what I understand, payment plans aren't unheard of but also not by any means the default, you seem to be accepting and taking responsibility for what's happened, so I'd suggest that when written to you liaise with them, at the end of the day, if you would struggle to pay the amount in one go then there's absolutely no harm in asking the question of them as to whether you can have a payment plan.

Ah so this would work out cheaper than the full fare of an anytime day single for all journeys, which is relieving. Is it usually always just the difference? Or does it vary with GWR? I will prepare to save the max anyway. I know they have a backlog so could be a while.

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Also… is first initial contact straight to payment? Or will they always ask for my story too and a chance to apologise and own up to my mistake. This gives me extra time to prepare for when the sum will come through

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Apologies, I know I’m asking same questions to different people. It’s just nice to get a handful of opinions!

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How strict are they with the inconsistencies? Most of my tickets are 16-25 savers (29 journeys) but there are times where I’ve carelessly tapped Network Railcard (13 times). Do they take this more serious? Or will it be the same out of court settlement.

The overall single fare fee settlement would work out nearly 2.5k… and the difference is 1.5k!

 

[jeremyjh]

You'll find that often people posting here will say what is *most likely* to happen, but it's not possible for anyone to guarantee a specific outcome.

Prepare for the worst case scenario, then hope for the best realistic outcome. Save as much as you can as soon as you can, but obviously there are practical limits to this. It's stressful, but do your best not to panic.

GWR are unlikely to write explicitly offering a settlement in the first instance. The standard letter you receive will likely tell you that they intend to prosecute you and ask you for your version of events. Get help here once it arrives, but start by making sure you've got as complete a record of your actual travel and the tickets you bought as possible. It sounds like you've got a pretty good history from the numbers you give.

You'll then need to give honest answers to the questions they ask, apologise plainly and politely for what you have done wrong and ask for a settlement. There are lots of examples in this forum but people are always happy to suggest how to phrase things for your specific circumstances. This depends on precisely what you are asked, so wait to receive the letter.

Buying a ticket with the wrong railcard is not a good idea and you should take more care in future, just as you should about the railcard expiry. It's really important not to continue or repeat the offending behaviour now that you've been caught. Your new railcard will help. Take a look at its expiry date and set a reminder in your phone for that date to help avoid ending up in the same situation again.

I would be surprised if picking the wrong railcard on those occasions made a material difference to the cost or likelihood of a settlement in this case. As the level of discount is the same and you held neither railcard, so ultimately you've done the same thing: bought a ticket carrying a railcard discount to which you are not entitled as you don't hold the corresponding railcard. While it does tip the balance in favour of you *knowing* that you were buying invalid tickets, I don't think it will change their approach.

 

[igor23937]

Thank you for this! Very helpful info. He wrote down MG11… what does this mean? Does it mean I can still get an out of court settlement, or is this just a formality code

You'll find that often people posting here will say what is *most likely* to happen, but it's not possible for anyone to guarantee a specific outcome.

Prepare for the worst case scenario, then hope for the best realistic outcome. Save as much as you can as soon as you can, but obviously there are practical limits to this. It's stressful, but do your best not to panic.

GWR are unlikely to write explicitly offering a settlement in the first instance. The standard letter you receive will likely tell you that they intend to prosecute you and ask you for your version of events. Get help here once it arrives, but start by making sure you've got as complete a record of your actual travel and the tickets you bought as possible. It sounds like you've got a pretty good history from the numbers you give.

You'll then need to give honest answers to the questions they ask, apologise plainly and politely for what you have done wrong and ask for a settlement. There are lots of examples in this forum but people are always happy to suggest how to phrase things for your specific circumstances. This depends on precisely what you are asked, so wait to receive the letter.

Buying a ticket with the wrong railcard is not a good idea and you should take more care in future, just as you should about the railcard expiry. It's really important not to continue or repeat the offending behaviour now that you've been caught. Your new railcard will help. Take a look at its expiry date and set a reminder in your phone for that date to help avoid ending up in the same situation again.

I would be surprised if picking the wrong railcard on those occasions made a material difference to the cost or likelihood of a settlement in this case. As the level of discount is the same and you held neither railcard, so ultimately you've done the same thing: bought a ticket carrying a railcard discount to which you are not entitled as you don't hold the corresponding railcard. While it does tip the balance in favour of you *knowing* that you were buying invalid tickets, I don't think it will change their approach.