TfL fare evasion – student Oyster misuse (before mitigation submitted) advice needed

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

Hi all,
I’m looking for realistic advice on a TfL revenue protection case before I submit my mitigation.

On 28 May 2026 I was stopped by a TfL inspector on a bus. I used an Oyster card that was not mine (student Oyster) for a single journey (£1.75).

At the time of inspection I initially gave incorrect details (including address), but I later corrected this and admitted what had happened.

I have not yet submitted my written mitigation, but I have been invited to do so before a decision is made.

My situation:

First ever offence
Single journey (£1.75)
Student Oyster misuse (not my card)
Initial incorrect details, later corrected
No previous TfL issues

I am trying to understand realistically:

How TfL typically treats cases like this
Whether initial incorrect details significantly increase the risk of prosecution
What outcomes are most common for first-time student Oyster misuse cases
What I should focus on in my mitigation (what actually matters vs what doesn’t)

I’m not looking for reassurance, just honest input from people familiar with TfL enforcement.

Thanks in advance

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jun 2026 ==

Anyone who can help please I’m very stressed and sleep is non existent

RailUK Forums

furlong · 13 Jun 2026

Firstly, work out if they lost any money due to this.

For example, was there a season ticket or travelcard on the card (which would have been discounted)?

What other journeys had been made already that day using the card?

How did the card come into your possession? Did you find it? Borrow it? Steal it? Earlier the same day or a previous day?

WesternLancer · 13 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
Hi all,
I’m looking for realistic advice on a TfL revenue protection case before I submit my mitigation.

On 28 May 2026 I was stopped by a TfL inspector on a bus. I used an Oyster card that was not mine (student Oyster) for a single journey (£1.75).

At the time of inspection I initially gave incorrect details (including address), but I later corrected this and admitted what had happened.

I have not yet submitted my written mitigation, but I have been invited to do so before a decision is made.

My situation:

First ever offence

Single journey (£1.75)

Student Oyster misuse (not my card)

Initial incorrect details, later corrected

No previous TfL issues

I am trying to understand realistically:

How TfL typically treats cases like this

Whether initial incorrect details significantly increase the risk of prosecution

What outcomes are most common for first-time student Oyster misuse cases

What I should focus on in my mitigation (what actually matters vs what doesn’t)

I’m not looking for reassurance, just honest input from people familiar with TfL enforcement.

Thanks in advance

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jun 2026 ==

Anyone who can help please I’m very stressed and sleep is non existent

Giving incorrect details wouldn’t significantly increase prospects of prosecution.

This is because the prospect of prosecution are already high. TfL default position is to prosecute in a majority of cases for fare evasion.
Sorry that this isn’t good news.

Mitigation is covered in the TfL revenue protection policy which sets out mitigating reasons that they consider. There are links to this on other threads. You should have a read of this.

As a student see if there you can get advice through your students union advice service. They may also have access to initial free or reduced cost legal advice you could get.
Contact them on Monday.
As well as advice from here.

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

furlong said:
Firstly, work out if they lost any money due to this.

For example, was there a season ticket or travelcard on the card (which would have been discounted)?

What other journeys had been made already that day using the card?

How did the card come into your possession? Did you find it? Borrow it? Steal it? Earlier the same day or a previous day?

There was no season ticket , no I made one journey the bus that was £1.75. I found it on the floor hence used it. Used it same day

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jun 2026 ==

WesternLancer said:
Giving incorrect details wouldn’t significantly increase prospects of prosecution.

This is because the prospect of prosecution are already high. TfL default position is to prosecute in a majority of cases for fare evasion.
Sorry that this isn’t good news.

Mitigation is covered in the TfL revenue protection policy which sets out mitigating reasons that they consider. There are links to this on other threads. You should have a read of this.

As a student see if there you can get advice through your students union advice service. They may also have access to initial free or reduced cost legal advice you could get.
Contact them on Monday.
As well as advice from here.

I’ve tried to have a look but can’t find any links

Mawkie · 13 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
I’ve tried to have a look but can’t find any links

TfL Prosecution Policy

WesternLancer · 13 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
I’ve tried to have a look but can’t find any links

This thread. Link in post 2 to TfL document concerned.

Maybe other useful views and info in thread also.

Caught with my partners student oyster card

I was caught using my partners student Oyster card at an underground station on Monday morning by a tfl revenue protection officer, who then proceeded to take my details and confiscate the card. For some background I am 20 and so is my partner, a current apprentice on national living wage, and...

www.railforums.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jun 2026 ==

We did see a case here a few weeks ago where someone managed to obtain being let off with a warning through their own efforts.
I can’t find link at the moment. Might be worth reading that thread.

Usually from what we see this is more likely to be achieved through the use of a solicitor specialised in TfL fare evasion work.

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

furlong said:
Firstly, work out if they lost any money due to this.

For example, was there a season ticket or travelcard on the card (which would have been discounted)?

What other journeys had been made already that day using the card?

How did the card come into your possession? Did you find it? Borrow it? Steal it? Earlier the same day or a previous day?

They haven’t lost any money

WesternLancer said:
This thread. Link in post 2 to TfL document concerned.

Maybe other useful views and info in thread also.

Caught with my partners student oyster card

I was caught using my partners student Oyster card at an underground station on Monday morning by a tfl revenue protection officer, who then proceeded to take my details and confiscate the card. For some background I am 20 and so is my partner, a current apprentice on national living wage, and...

www.railforums.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jun 2026 ==

We did see a case here a few weeks ago where someone managed to obtain being let off with a warning through their own efforts.
I can’t find link at the moment. Might be worth reading that thread.

Usually from what we see this is more likely to be achieved through the use of a solicitor specialised in TfL fare evasion work

WesternLancer said:
This thread. Link in post 2 to TfL document concerned.

Maybe other useful views and info in thread also.

Caught with my partners student oyster card

I was caught using my partners student Oyster card at an underground station on Monday morning by a tfl revenue protection officer, who then proceeded to take my details and confiscate the card. For some background I am 20 and so is my partner, a current apprentice on national living wage, and...

www.railforums.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jun 2026 ==

We did see a case here a few weeks ago where someone managed to obtain being let off with a warning through their own efforts.
I can’t find link at the moment. Might be worth reading that thread.

Usually from what we see this is more likely to be achieved through the use of a solicitor specialised in TfL fare evasion work.

I wanted to ask with prosecution is it a criminal record I have an internship in the financial services with a big bank and opportunity to convert I worry this will affect my chances.

This did not happen during the internship but in essence before I had to interrupt university as I had a lot of mental health issues and wasn’t receiving student finance and got a part time job but I lost that part time job and there was big financial strain.

I’m also worried about that as a result and I couldn’t afford a solicitor

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

WesternLancer said:
This thread. Link in post 2 to TfL document concerned.

Maybe other useful views and info in thread also.

Caught with my partners student oyster card

I was caught using my partners student Oyster card at an underground station on Monday morning by a tfl revenue protection officer, who then proceeded to take my details and confiscate the card. For some background I am 20 and so is my partner, a current apprentice on national living wage, and...

www.railforums.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jun 2026 ==

We did see a case here a few weeks ago where someone managed to obtain being let off with a warning through their own efforts.
I can’t find link at the moment. Might be worth reading that thread.

Usually from what we see this is more likely to be achieved through the use of a solicitor specialised in TfL fare evasion work.

I wanted to ask whether a prosecution for this matter would result in a criminal record. I have secured an internship in financial services with a major bank, with the possibility of converting to a permanent role, and I am concerned about how this could affect my future prospects.

For context, this incident did not occur during my internship. Prior to this, I had to interrupt my university studies due to significant mental health difficulties. During that period, I was not receiving Student Finance and was relying on a part-time job to support myself. Unfortunately, I then lost that job, which placed me under considerable financial strain.

I am also worried about my ability to navigate this process, as I cannot afford to instruct a solicitor.

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
I wanted to ask whether a prosecution for this matter would result in a criminal record. I have secured an internship in financial services with a major bank, with the possibility of converting to a permanent role, and I am concerned about how this could affect my future prospects.

For context, this incident did not occur during my internship. Prior to this, I had to interrupt my university studies due to significant mental health difficulties. During that period, I was not receiving Student Finance and was relying on a part-time job to support myself. Unfortunately, I then lost that job, which placed me under considerable financial strain.

I am also worried about my ability to navigate this process, as I cannot afford to instruct a solicitor.

Does anyone have any templates for these letters I’m trying to go through the forum but can’t find any I have a draft

WesternLancer · 13 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
I wanted to ask whether a prosecution for this matter would result in a criminal record. I have secured an internship in financial services with a major bank, with the possibility of converting to a permanent role, and I am concerned about how this could affect my future prospects.

For context, this incident did not occur during my internship. Prior to this, I had to interrupt my university studies due to significant mental health difficulties. During that period, I was not receiving Student Finance and was relying on a part-time job to support myself. Unfortunately, I then lost that job, which placed me under considerable financial strain.

I am also worried about my ability to navigate this process, as I cannot afford to instruct a solicitor.

Yes. If it goes to court you will receive a criminal record. Spent after a year iirc.
Details quoted on other TfL threads.
Not easy to find the threads for you whilst on my phone but can probably locate useful ones when on my pc over weekend.
When is your deadline to reply to TfL by?
Have you read the mitigation statement in the policy? You need to find things in that relevant to you to make your case for mitigation. You mentioned mental health difficulties. Can you evidence that with medical documentation?

You need to think about things like if you picked up a lost oyster card that You knew wasn’t yours why didn’t you hand it in so it could be returned to the owner. Instead you used it yourself. It belonged to a student. They might be skint too.

Sorry to sound harsh but these are the things to weigh up. Even if you don’t need to necessarily address them in your letter to TfL.
You can say it was a ‘serious error of judgment’ on this occasion

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

WesternLancer said:
Yes. If it goes to court you will receive a criminal record. Spent after a year iirc.
Details quoted on other TfL threads.
Not easy to find the threads for you whilst on my phone but can probably locate useful ones when on my pc over weekend.
When is your deadline to reply to TfL by?
Have you read the mitigation statement in the policy? You need to find things in that relevant to you to make your case for mitigation. You mentioned mental health difficulties. Can you evidence that with medical documentation?

You need to think about things like if you picked up a lost oyster card that You knew wasn’t yours why didn’t you hand it in so it could be returned to the owner. Instead you used it yourself. It belonged to a student. They might be skint too.

Sorry to sound harsh but these are the things to weigh up. Even if you don’t need to necessarily address them in your letter to TfL.
You can say it was a ‘serious error of judgment’ on this occasion

Hi, yes, I have medical documentation from both my doctors and university.

I completely understand that this was a serious error of judgment, and unfortunately I should have known better.

I only received the letter on 12 June, despite it being dated 1 June, which I found quite odd given that it took around 10 days to reach my address. Nevertheless, I contacted the email address provided to notify them of the delay and have started drafting my response.

I would be very grateful if anyone would be willing to read it and provide any advice or feedback before I submit it.

WesternLancer · 13 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
Hi, yes, I have medical documentation from both my doctors and university.

I completely understand that this was a serious error of judgment, and unfortunately I should have known better.

I only received the letter on 12 June, despite it being dated 1 June, which I found quite odd given that it took around 10 days to reach my address. Nevertheless, I contacted the email address provided to notify them of the delay and have started drafting my response.

I would be very grateful if anyone would be willing to read it and provide any advice or feedback before I submit it.

Definitely post your draft before sending it for people to check. No point sending anything until Monday anyway.

Be prepared to include your medical evidence in support of your mitigation.

Could family support you with the costs of a solicitor for this (c£600 to £750).?
We see significantly increased prospects of prosecution being avoided with TfL where solicitors are involved. Needs to be a specialist in this area though.
We can give a list of firms people have used successfully.

I suspect it’s only worth that level of spending if you think it’s going to be genuinely career limiting for you to be prosecuted for this. In context of wider earnings in future £600 is not very much. Tho it’s a lot if you don’t have it I appreciate.

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

WesternLancer said:
Definitely post your draft before sending it for people to check. No point sending anything until Monday anyway.

Be prepared to include your medical evidence in support of your mitigation.

Could family support you with the costs of a solicitor for this (c£600 to £750).?
We see significantly increased prospects of prosecution being avoided with TfL where solicitors are involved. Needs to be a specialist in this area though.
We can give a list of firms people have used successfully.

I suspect it’s only worth that level of spending if you think it’s going to be genuinely career limiting for you to be prosecuted for this. In context of wider earnings in future £600 is not very much. Tho it’s a lot if you don’t have it I appreciate.

Unfortunately not we’ve been financially strained for a long time and that cost is anything anyone could give to me right now I would’ve used my internship salary but that’s a month away and I only have 10 days

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

Here is my letter
Dear Appeals and Prosecutions Team,

I am writing in response to your letter regarding the incident on 28 May 2026.

Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise and take full responsibility for my actions. I understand that using a Student Oyster card that did not belong to me was wrong, and I deeply regret my behaviour that day.

At the time, I was going through a particularly difficult period. I had recently lost my part-time job and was experiencing financial difficulties whilst continuing my studies at UCL. I had also recently completed a stressful examination period and was struggling with the uncertainty of waiting for my results, which had a significant impact on my wellbeing. In addition, I had recently lost my debit card and was experiencing ongoing difficulties accessing and using my usual payment methods, which made paying for travel more difficult than normal. Whilst these circumstances affected my judgement and contributed to the stress I was experiencing, I fully accept that they do not excuse my actions. Using the Oyster card was a serious error of judgement on my part, and I take full responsibility for that decision.

What I regret most is how I behaved when approached by the Revenue Inspector. I panicked and initially provided incorrect information, including an incorrect address. Looking back, I am genuinely ashamed of this. The inspector was simply carrying out their duties and I should have been honest from the outset. Instead, I allowed fear and panic to influence my actions and made an already poor decision worse. I sincerely apologise for my lack of honesty during that interaction. Looking back, I am particularly disappointed in myself for not being honest immediately, as this is not how I wish to conduct myself.

The past year has been particularly challenging. Alongside losing my part-time job, I have had to carefully prioritise my limited finances between essential living costs, university expenses and travel whilst balancing academic commitments. Whilst I do not offer this as an excuse, I hope it provides context for the circumstances I was experiencing at the time.

Since the incident, I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on my behaviour. I recognise that I made a poor decision and failed to act with the honesty and responsibility expected of me. This experience has been a significant lesson and I can assure you that it is not something I will ever repeat.

I am currently a student and have recently secured an internship which represents an important opportunity for my future career and professional development. I am aware that a prosecution could have significant consequences for my future education and career opportunities, which is something I deeply regret having placed at risk through my own actions.

I respectfully ask that my genuine remorse, acceptance of responsibility, personal circumstances and commitment to learning from this mistake be taken into consideration.

I would be very grateful if Transport for London would consider resolving this matter without prosecution. However, I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and will accept whatever outcome TfL considers appropriate.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my response.

P.S. Although the letter is dated 1 June 2026, I did not receive it until 12 June 2026. Due to the limited time available to respond, I have submitted this explanation with the information currently available to me. I am currently obtaining supporting documentation relating to the loss of my part-time employment, financial hardship, university wellbeing support, mental health support, hardship funding received during this period, and correspondence relating to the issues I experienced with my bank card and payment methods. I will provide any additional evidence as soon as it becomes available.

Yours faithfully,

I have attached
Apple Pay conversations with my bank
Evidence of card replacement card being needed due to being lost
My examination timetable
Termination of My first job
My submission to my student union hardship fund explaining my situation
My internship offer letter
Medical letters explaining my mental health issues where I was needed interrutpion
In the last few years at university
Financial difficulties this was dated after the letter but again the letter was received on the 12th June to me (Royal Mail hopefully has a date it post letters and timings)

Haywain · 13 Jun 2026

WesternLancer said:
Could family support you with the costs of a solicitor for this (c£600 to £750).?

And the rest. Manak recently stated their figures total £875.

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

Haywain said:
And the rest. Manak recently stated their figures total £875.

I think I appreciate that but unfortunately I do not have that money , I can’t afford to travel consistently to work , so paying £875 is not an option I don’t even have that in my bank a shame really

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jun 2026 ==

Should I also mention ongoing debts too ?

Sun Chariot · 13 Jun 2026

Hello @ravhe1

I think your draft (post 14), as it stands, will not assist your hoped-for outcome. It is far too long, risking a reader quickly becoming disengaged.

TfL Revenue Protection receive innumerate excuses or reasons, of why individuals did not pay the fare required for their journey(s). The "circumstances" you cover in your draft are, in my view, no different to anyone else who has to balance a limited financial disposition.

Your "mitigation" needs to follow TfL's own Revenue Protection Policy (as suggested to you upthread). Such as:
8.2 We will have regard to the following factors against prosecution:
d. The offender has pre-existing mental health issues or a disability supported by satisfactory medical proof from a medical expert in the relevant field.

Alternatively, trim your draft letter; my view is by removing completely the paragraphs beginning with:
"At the time...."
"The past year..."
"I am currently..."
"I respectfully ask..."
And cutting down the wordiness in some of your other paragraphs.

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

Sun Chariot said:
Hello @ravhe1

I think your draft (post 14), as it stands, will not assist your hoped-for outcome. It is far too long, risking a reader quickly becoming disengaged and not reading it in its entirety.

TfL Revenue Protection receive innumerate excuses or reasons, of why individuals did not pay the fare required for their journey(s). The "circumstances" you cover in your draft are, in my view, no different to anyone else who has to balance a limited financial disposition.

Your "mitigation" needs to follow TfL's own Revenue Protection Policy (as suggested to you upthread). Such as:
8.2 We will have regard to the following factors against prosecution:
d. The offender has pre-existing mental health issues or a disability supported by satisfactory medical proof from a medical expert in the relevant field.

Alternatively, trim your draft letter; my view is by removing completely the paragraphs beginning with:
"At the time...."
"The past year..."
"I am currently..."
"I respectfully ask..."
And cutting down the wordiness in some of your other paragraphs.

But doesn’t it say to include any evidence that they think you should consider to not prosecute and they are asking for an account so I thought that explaining the day and context would be that other than it would just be a short apology no?

Sun Chariot · 13 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
But doesn’t it say to include any evidence that they think you should consider to not prosecute and they are asking for an account so I thought that explaining the day and context would be that other than it would just be a short apology no?

No ;TfL's Revenue Protection Policy (linked) section 8 (document page 8) states explicit mitigating criteria - and those criteria only.

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/revenue-enforcement-and-prosecutions-policy.pdf

AlterEgo · 13 Jun 2026

It is not the case that TfL will "zone out" and not read a long letter. Our experience is they are professional and competent with dealing with multiple pieces of correspondence, mitigation, and references, and solicitors' letters.

Stealing an Oyster card and using it is dishonest, even if the theft was by finding (yes - this is theft, by law!) - this is worse really than "borrowing" a friend's card.

TfL will form the view that you are dishonest and would have offended further and continued to use the card had you not been stopped, and you allude to this as much by including your financial position. I think you should remove these parts. It is not really their concern that you lost your job or your debit card or have debts. They don't care about your internship or that a conviction may harm your career. That is the consequence of a criminal record for everyone.

What you need to show is why *you* should be treated differently to *nearly everyone else* - the default path here is that you are prosecuted for the offence in the magistrates' court. TfL prosecuted about 15,000 people last year, so about 50 people every working day. Bish bash bosh, it's easy for them I'm afraid.

What you can do is try to advance mitigation on medical grounds. You need to show, essentially, that:

- you have a disability or mental health condition at the time of the offence, and that

1) the circumstances of your health are so severe that a conviction would be utterly disproportionate and not in the public interest, or
2) the circumstances of your health are the reason, or a contributing factor, in your decision to evade fares

You need satisfactory medical proof from a medical expert in the relevant field, so a diagnosis letter is good, but a letter from a consultant for example explaining either of 1) or 2) above is ideal.

WesternLancer · 13 Jun 2026

This case I was thinking of. Link below. See post 40. Maybe message the person there and see if they can share some advice.

@wise007 seemed to get a desired outcome without a solicitor as per post 43.

Caught using younger brothers 11-15 Zip Card

One thought I had would be as this is a first offence within TfL and how they don’t accept payment of fares and administration costs, would be to offer a payment to a charity that TFL would accept as a lesson in lieu of proceeding to court, and as part of receiving a final warning. This would...

www.railforums.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jun 2026 ==

FWIW I agree with both @Sun Chariot and @AlterEgo 's helpful posts above - ie a focussed and succinct approach to what you write to TfL but also that focus needs to be primarily on the points made in post #20 - because TfL's policy is the basis on which they will make a decision to issue a warning, and not to prosecute. Really try and make that link for the reader of your letter

This is the policy link

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/revenue-enforcement-and-prosecutions-policy.pdf

In your letter I think It's fine to add a short bit of context eg that you have financial difficulties, made an error of judgment to use a card you found that was not yours to use, and to make clear your apology and regret for doing this, but there is little point in going into great details about all that.
They won't be that interested in that because it's what so many other people will have told them, whilst they also know that many other people with the same difficulties do not dodge the fares. Keep that stuff short.

I've tagged the only case we have seen in recent times where someone secured a warning (ie avoided prosecution) without the help of a solicitor - that person may pitch in with some useful info about what they wrote - but that depends on them noticing the message.

Also bear in mind that as mentioned TfL send 14k of these court a year - they won't have a vast team of people doing the work - so imagine working there and getting numerous replies form people to consider - they will have to go through them a quickly as they can to get the job done - make it easy for that reader of your letter to see your clearest points about why they should not prosecute you. Less is more I suppose I am saying.

All you can do is give it your best shot

But TfL (unlike the train companies) has a stricter approach - and you should also be prepared for the worst - but rest assured a prosecution for this is not the end of the world - this thread is a good example:

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/freedom-pass-misuse-requisition-to-attend-court.297308/page-2

If your efforts now don't achieve the outcome you would like, there is more advice on the forum to help you prepare for when then happens next, how to engage with the court process etc - in order to get the least worst outcome from that.

People here will try to help you and answer your questions as to what to expect.

Good luck with all this - despite what's happened you do have my sympathy.

ravhe1 · 13 Jun 2026

WesternLancer said:
This case I was thinking of. Link below. See post 40. Maybe message the person there and see if they can share some advice.

@wise007 seemed to get a desired outcome without a solicitor as per post 43.

Caught using younger brothers 11-15 Zip Card

One thought I had would be as this is a first offence within TfL and how they don’t accept payment of fares and administration costs, would be to offer a payment to a charity that TFL would accept as a lesson in lieu of proceeding to court, and as part of receiving a final warning. This would...

www.railforums.co.uk

I have sent him a message hopefully he’s available and he’s taken into account some of you guys points here is my draft and where I’m at

Dear Appeals and Prosecutions Team,

I am writing in response to your letter regarding the incident on 28 May 2026.

I would like to sincerely apologise and take full responsibility for my actions.

On the day in question, I came across a Student Oyster card that did not belong to me and made the poor decision to use it for a single journey. I fully recognise that I was not entitled to use the card and that my actions were wrong.

When approached by the Revenue Inspector, I panicked and initially claimed that the card belonged to a friend. I also provided incorrect details when questioned. This is the aspect of the incident I am most ashamed of. As the interaction continued, I admitted that the card was not mine and provided my correct details. I sincerely regret both my decision to use the card and my lack of honesty when first challenged about it.

At the time of the incident, I was experiencing ongoing mental health difficulties, including diagnosed depression and anxiety, for which supporting evidence is available. The recent loss of my part-time employment, financial difficulties, and the pressures of university examinations further affected my wellbeing. Whilst these circumstances do not excuse my actions, I believe they contributed to my poor judgement and panic when questioned.

Since the incident, I have reflected greatly on my behaviour and deeply regret the decisions I made. I can assure you that this is not something I will ever repeat.

I am currently a student and have recently secured an internship which represents an important opportunity for my future career. I am concerned that a prosecution could have a significant impact on these future opportunities.

I respectfully ask that my remorse, acceptance of responsibility, and personal circumstances be taken into consideration when deciding how to proceed, and I would be very grateful if TfL would consider resolving this matter without prosecution.

Yours faithfully,

P.S. Although the letter is dated 1 June 2026, I did not receive it until 12 June 2026. I am currently gathering supporting documentation relating to my mental health, loss of employment, and financial circumstances, and will provide this as soon as possible.

furlong · 14 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
They haven’t lost any money

If the journey was paid for out of a cash balance held on the card, that depends if the person who lost it reports this and gets refunded for your journey by TfL.
Using a stolen card is worse than using a borrowed card.
Basically, this is not a line of argument you should deploy as I would consider someone (the stranger or TfL) did lose real money by your actions.

My opinions:
Don't mention money troubles - that's never an acceptable excuse and turns the recipient against you.
Do stress this was a one-off lapse (if it was) and you've learned your lesson. You can describe the background except for money troubles.
Do mention the risk to the internship from this isolated lapse (if it was) if they prosecute. They might judge prosecution disproportionate and unnecessary (as the internship now gives you a motive not to do this again as you wouldn't get a second chance).
Mention explicitly you're hoping for it to be resolved with a "warning".
Don't forget to say that you'll never do anything like this again and always pay the correct fare now!
Definitely provide the medical evidence. This may also tend to nudge them towards issuing a warning I think.
If you can obtain evidence of otherwise good character (a brief "character reference") from someone who knows you well from a position of authority, such as a university tutor ideally or possibly a manager from work, consider including this.

What should you have done when you found it? Handed it in to TfL without using it first!

AlterEgo · 14 Jun 2026

TfL only give you ten days to submit mitigation and are likely to decide the case within the next week or two. They're very fast. Therefore you need to submit this evidence very very soon else it won't be considered.

snail · 14 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
There was no season ticket , no I made one journey the bus that was £1.75. I found it on the floor hence used it. Used it same day

You haven't mentioned this in any of your draft replies. You make it sound like you have been using a student Oyster for some time but this is the first time you've been caught.

Just keep your reply short and to the point: I found an Oyster card and used it once*. I shouldn't have done that and will not do it again. TfL won't be that interested in financial details or the rest, they have heard it all before.

And lose the adverbs. "I would like to sincerely apologise" - are you apologising or not? Just say "I apologise".

* or the number of times you did use it

ravhe1 · 14 Jun 2026

AlterEgo said:
TfL only give you ten days to submit mitigation and are likely to decide the case within the next week or two. They're very fast. Therefore you need to submit this evidence very very soon else it won't be considered.

That’s what I worry about my letter was dated 1st of June I only received it on the 12th

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jun 2026 ==

snail said:
You haven't mentioned this in any of your draft replies. You make it sound like you have been using a student Oyster for some time but this is the first time you've been caught.

Just keep your reply short and to the point: I found an Oyster card and used it once*. I shouldn't have done that and will not do it again. TfL won't be that interested in financial details or the rest, they have heard it all before.

And lose the adverbs. "I would like to sincerely apologise" - are you apologising or not? Just say "I apologise".

* or the number of times you did use it

I’ve seen replies in other threads that you should not mention the fact you initially lied to the inspector I’m confused if I should include that an apologise

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jun 2026 ==

furlong said:
If the journey was paid for out of a cash balance held on the card, that depends if the person who lost it reports this and gets refunded for your journey by TfL.
Using a stolen card is worse than using a borrowed card.
Basically, this is not a line of argument you should deploy as I would consider someone (the stranger or TfL) did lose real money by your actions.

My opinions:
Don't mention money troubles - that's never an acceptable excuse and turns the recipient against you.
Do stress this was a one-off lapse (if it was) and you've learned your lesson. You can describe the background except for money troubles.
Do mention the risk to the internship from this isolated lapse (if it was) if they prosecute. They might judge prosecution disproportionate and unnecessary (as the internship now gives you a motive not to do this again as you wouldn't get a second chance).
Mention explicitly you're hoping for it to be resolved with a "warning".
Don't forget to say that you'll never do anything like this again and always pay the correct fare now!
Definitely provide the medical evidence. This may also tend to nudge them towards issuing a warning I think.
If you can obtain evidence of otherwise good character (a brief "character reference") from someone who knows you well from a position of authority, such as a university tutor ideally or possibly a manager from work, consider including this.

What should you have done when you found it? Handed it in to TfL without using it first!

But they wanted any mitigation so I thought explaining the context and the build to the big error of judgment no?

ravhe1 · 14 Jun 2026

furlong said:
If the journey was paid for out of a cash balance held on the card, that depends if the person who lost it reports this and gets refunded for your journey by TfL.
Using a stolen card is worse than using a borrowed card.
Basically, this is not a line of argument you should deploy as I would consider someone (the stranger or TfL) did lose real money by your actions.

My opinions:
Don't mention money troubles - that's never an acceptable excuse and turns the recipient against you.
Do stress this was a one-off lapse (if it was) and you've learned your lesson. You can describe the background except for money troubles.
Do mention the risk to the internship from this isolated lapse (if it was) if they prosecute. They might judge prosecution disproportionate and unnecessary (as the internship now gives you a motive not to do this again as you wouldn't get a second chance).
Mention explicitly you're hoping for it to be resolved with a "warning".
Don't forget to say that you'll never do anything like this again and always pay the correct fare now!
Definitely provide the medical evidence. This may also tend to nudge them towards issuing a warning I think.
If you can obtain evidence of otherwise good character (a brief "character reference") from someone who knows you well from a position of authority, such as a university tutor ideally or possibly a manager from work, consider including this.

What should you have done when you found it? Handed it in to TfL without using it first!

I have included a new draft looking at threads and taking everyone’s tips for edits:

Dear Appeals and Prosecutions Team,

I am writing in response to your correspondence regarding the incident on 28 May 2026.

I apologise for my actions and take full responsibility for them.

On that day, I found a Student Oyster card and made the poor decision to use it for a single bus journey costing £1.75. This was a one-off incident and not something I have done before. I fully accept that I was not entitled to use the card and that my actions were wrong.

I deeply regret this lapse in judgement. I have reflected on my actions, fully understand the seriousness of what I did, and can assure you that it will not happen again. I will always ensure that I pay the correct fare in future.

At the time, I was experiencing ongoing mental health difficulties, including diagnosed depression and anxiety, for which supporting medical evidence is available. The stress of university examinations and awaiting results further affected my wellbeing. Whilst this does not excuse my actions, I hope it provides some context for my poor judgement on that day.

I am currently a student and have recently secured an internship which represents an important opportunity for my future career. I am concerned that a prosecution arising from this isolated lapse in judgement could have a significant impact on my future opportunities.

I respectfully ask that TfL consider resolving this matter by way of a warning rather than prosecution. I would be extremely grateful if my remorse, personal circumstances, and the fact that this was a single-use, one-off incident could be taken into account.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,

P.S. Although the letter is dated 1 June 2026, I did not receive it until 12 June 2026. I am currently obtaining supporting medical evidence and supporting documentation relating to my circumstances, which I will provide as soon as possible.

WesternLancer · 14 Jun 2026

AlterEgo said:
TfL only give you ten days to submit mitigation and are likely to decide the case within the next week or two. They're very fast. Therefore you need to submit this evidence very very soon else it won't be considered.

Can these be e mailed to TfL. If so op will want to send it Monday.

Edit- corrected message.

ravhe1 · 14 Jun 2026

WesternLancer said:
Can these never bailed to TfL. If so op will want to send it Monday.

Sorry ? I was going to email it to them

WesternLancer · 14 Jun 2026

ravhe1 said:
Sorry ? I was going to email it to them

Apols. Loads of auto correct errors. Thanks for querying it

I meant to say basically if you can e mail it then you probably want to do that on Monday if you have it ready to do so.

TfL fare evasion – student Oyster misuse (before mitigation submitted) advice needed

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