monkeyMoron
New Member
On 17 October 2026 (today) I travelled directly from Warrington Central to Liverpool Lime Street on TransPennine Express.
Before boarding, I bought a £5.85 Off-Peak Day Return through Virgin Trains Ticketing, with a 26–30 Railcard discount. I scanned in through the e-gates at warrington Central prior to getting on the train, however once on board around 10 minutes in to the journey I had my inspected where I was asked to produce the railcard - it was only at this point I realsied I could not as my previous Trainline card expired on 21 December 2025, I looked desperately as I have regularly bought Railcards and believed I had renewed, but despite checking emails, accounts and bank records, I currently cannot find evidence of another card valid for this journey. During the inspection I purchased a new Railcard valid until 16 October 2027 but I understand this does not establish that I held a valid card before boarding.
The inspector photographed my ticket and the expired and new card, took my details, and said previous journeys would be investigated. I received a Travel Irregularity Notice. It says TPE will write and no payment is required or possible yet.
I would like to resolve this honestly, pay any properly due fare and reasonable costs, and avoid court and the risk of a criminal record - what should I expect next? This is a real shock for me as its the first time I have ever recived a fine or official caution for anything and genuinely thought I had a card, otherwise I never would have travelled, so as you can imagine I am very worried. Should I send an explanation now, given the 21-day period in TPE’s published Railcard policy, or wait for its letter? Could the review include other operators’ journeys as I am worried as have used this railcard for other journeys since December as I (incorrectly it now seems) thought I had a valid railcard?
Thank you in advance.
Before boarding, I bought a £5.85 Off-Peak Day Return through Virgin Trains Ticketing, with a 26–30 Railcard discount. I scanned in through the e-gates at warrington Central prior to getting on the train, however once on board around 10 minutes in to the journey I had my inspected where I was asked to produce the railcard - it was only at this point I realsied I could not as my previous Trainline card expired on 21 December 2025, I looked desperately as I have regularly bought Railcards and believed I had renewed, but despite checking emails, accounts and bank records, I currently cannot find evidence of another card valid for this journey. During the inspection I purchased a new Railcard valid until 16 October 2027 but I understand this does not establish that I held a valid card before boarding.
The inspector photographed my ticket and the expired and new card, took my details, and said previous journeys would be investigated. I received a Travel Irregularity Notice. It says TPE will write and no payment is required or possible yet.
I would like to resolve this honestly, pay any properly due fare and reasonable costs, and avoid court and the risk of a criminal record - what should I expect next? This is a real shock for me as its the first time I have ever recived a fine or official caution for anything and genuinely thought I had a card, otherwise I never would have travelled, so as you can imagine I am very worried. Should I send an explanation now, given the 21-day period in TPE’s published Railcard policy, or wait for its letter? Could the review include other operators’ journeys as I am worried as have used this railcard for other journeys since December as I (incorrectly it now seems) thought I had a valid railcard?
Thank you in advance.
