Another Ascot Victim (SWR)

[SouthernOne]

On the ”what do they know” website there is the result of a freedom of information request about what was issued at Ascot this year by by SWR!

1,279 Penalty Fares 352 unpaid fares and 193 Report for prosecution

 

[bananaman99]

That's a very interesting figure @SouthernOne, I wonder how it stacks up against others in the area? If it were to stand out as an obvious fare/revenue trap by SWR then it may be worth our while getting in touch with the MP for the area to bring it to their attention (or perhaps I'm being naïve).

Anyway, I heard back from SWR and they agreed it was in everyone's interest for a settlement to be reached. £120 admin fee plus the full Paddington to Ascot fare, with instructions to get in touch with TfL for a refund from the contactless travel. Ah well!

Grateful for everyone's help here and glad to have seen the back of this episode; lesson learned via the wallet on this occasion.

 

[John R]

Glad you got it all sorted for a not too disastrous figure (we often see higher admin fees).

I guess any comparisons with other stations would need to take into account the unusually high flow of traffic into Ascot that week in comparison to other stations and also that a much higher proportion than usual would be unfamiliar with the route. So other than reinforcing the need for better signposting, I don’t think it would suggest a deliberate trap by SWR.