BHX_Chiltern
On Moderation
Does anyone have any advice on how best to word this correctly?
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Birmingham Chiltern Railways Help
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Wethebest838
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I have made amendments to your original letter in post #2.
BHX_Chiltern
On Moderation
Thank you I appreciate it! Sorry I can't see the post I just want to make it either get it right
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As we now know that the OP has jntentionally avoided fares on several occasions, your amendments need amending
Here's my take on para.2 but I agree with AlterEgo that there may be other errors, and this can certainly be improved on.
BHX_Chiltern
On Moderation
Thank you I appreciate your time and honesty, I've been silly
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Also I can't tell in the letter if they're aware about the other part I mentioned or if it's just to do with my Railcard being expired I don't know if you have any thoughts on that? As the letter relates to previous charges I wasn't sure what it relates to
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Also I can't tell in the letter if they're aware about the other part I mentioned or if it's just to do with my Railcard being expired I don't know if you have any thoughts on that? As the letter relates to previous charges I wasn't sure what it relates to
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This thread has become quite difficult to follow because edits have been made to posts causing them to disappeaer from public view until they are approved by the moderating team and also because what has happened has been 'drip fed'.
I've read through the whole thread and this is what I think has happened:
- In September you were caught travelling with railcard discounted ticket but your railcard had expired in June
- Your details were taken
- At times in the past you've bought Senior railcard discounted tickets for journeys you've made yourself
- You've since renewed your 26-30 railcard
- Chiltern have researched your ticket purchasing history and have written to you, saying that they are considering prosecuting you but asking for your version of events before they decide how to proceed
Chiltern are entitled to prosecute you if they want to but normally they will offer an out of court settlement to people who co-operate with their investigation, and who haven't come to their attention before. Expect to have to pay the cost of all the fares avoided at the full Anytime rate with no credit given for invalid tickets you did purchase (i.e. all of the senior railcard tickets purchased as well as the 26-30 railcard discounted tickets purchased when this railcard was out of date). In addition you will have to pay an admin fee, typically around £150.
The draft letter along with the amendments suggested by @Wethebest838 is fine but you do need to address the other occasions where you have travelled with invalid tickets. I suggest you carry out your own research of your ticket purchase history in your Trainline account and say something like:
You mention using a solicitor, only you can decide if this is something you want to do. My own view is there is no need to use a solicitor at this stage, they aren't cheap and they cannot change what has happened. What they can do is present your mitigation in a better way than you feel able to do yourself but my vuew is the facts in this case are straightforward (however uncomfortable they might feel to you!). I would send the letter to Chilten witht he suggested amendments and if Chiltern do not offer a settlement then that is when I would consider using the services of a solicitor.
Do post an amended draft of your reply in this thread so that we can proof read it. It's also very late as I write this so I think we should all take a step back, sleep on it and review things in the morning.
I've read through the whole thread and this is what I think has happened:
- In September you were caught travelling with railcard discounted ticket but your railcard had expired in June
- Your details were taken
- At times in the past you've bought Senior railcard discounted tickets for journeys you've made yourself
- You've since renewed your 26-30 railcard
- Chiltern have researched your ticket purchasing history and have written to you, saying that they are considering prosecuting you but asking for your version of events before they decide how to proceed
Chiltern are entitled to prosecute you if they want to but normally they will offer an out of court settlement to people who co-operate with their investigation, and who haven't come to their attention before. Expect to have to pay the cost of all the fares avoided at the full Anytime rate with no credit given for invalid tickets you did purchase (i.e. all of the senior railcard tickets purchased as well as the 26-30 railcard discounted tickets purchased when this railcard was out of date). In addition you will have to pay an admin fee, typically around £150.
The draft letter along with the amendments suggested by @Wethebest838 is fine but you do need to address the other occasions where you have travelled with invalid tickets. I suggest you carry out your own research of your ticket purchase history in your Trainline account and say something like:
You mention using a solicitor, only you can decide if this is something you want to do. My own view is there is no need to use a solicitor at this stage, they aren't cheap and they cannot change what has happened. What they can do is present your mitigation in a better way than you feel able to do yourself but my vuew is the facts in this case are straightforward (however uncomfortable they might feel to you!). I would send the letter to Chilten witht he suggested amendments and if Chiltern do not offer a settlement then that is when I would consider using the services of a solicitor.
Do post an amended draft of your reply in this thread so that we can proof read it. It's also very late as I write this so I think we should all take a step back, sleep on it and review things in the morning.
BHX_Chiltern
On Moderation
Thank you for the above summary, I completely understand I haven't gone the right way about this, given that I don't know what they know I just want to take responsibility for my actions and pay the charges please can you let me know your thoughts:
I am writing in response to your letter dated 7th February 2025, regarding the letter I received in relation to travelling with invalid tickets.
I wanted to first of all take the time to apologise for the offences regarding travelling without valid tickets. I understand that I am responsible for ensuring I have the proper ticket. This lapse in judgment was entirely my responsibility, and I deeply regret my actions and for the inconvenience it has caused.
Since the incident, I have taken steps to ensure that such a situation does not arise again. Ensuring I board the train with the appropriate ticket, and I have familiarised myself with the rules and regulations regarding ticketing for all future journeys.
I fully acknowledge the importance of adhering to fare regulations and the wider impact that invalid tickets have on the railway industry. I am keen to resolve this matter to avoid further escalation. I would be grateful if you would consider allowing me to settle this matter by paying any outstanding fares, administrative fees, or penalties as deemed appropriate.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my response. I look forward to your reply and hope for a positive resolution.
I am writing in response to your letter dated 7th February 2025, regarding the letter I received in relation to travelling with invalid tickets.
I wanted to first of all take the time to apologise for the offences regarding travelling without valid tickets. I understand that I am responsible for ensuring I have the proper ticket. This lapse in judgment was entirely my responsibility, and I deeply regret my actions and for the inconvenience it has caused.
Since the incident, I have taken steps to ensure that such a situation does not arise again. Ensuring I board the train with the appropriate ticket, and I have familiarised myself with the rules and regulations regarding ticketing for all future journeys.
I fully acknowledge the importance of adhering to fare regulations and the wider impact that invalid tickets have on the railway industry. I am keen to resolve this matter to avoid further escalation. I would be grateful if you would consider allowing me to settle this matter by paying any outstanding fares, administrative fees, or penalties as deemed appropriate.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my response. I look forward to your reply and hope for a positive resolution.
This is fine but it doesn't address the other occasions where you travelled with an invalid ticket.
You should add an extra paragraph along the lines of what I suggested last night.
Some suggested minor changes:-
I am writing in response to Thank you for your letter dated 7th February 2025, regarding the letter I received in relation to travelling with invalid tickets.
Iwanted to first of all take the time to firstly apologise for the offences regarding travelling without valid tickets. I understand that I am responsible for ensuring I have the proper ticket. This lapse in judgment was entirely my responsibility, and I deeply regret my actions and for the inconvenience it has caused.
Since the incident, Ihave taken steps to ensure that such a situation does not arise again. ensureing I board the train with the appropriate ticket, and I have familiarised myself with the rules and regulations regarding ticketing for all future journeys.
Extra para as per @Hadders above.
I fully acknowledge the importance ofadhering to fare regulations paying the correct fare and the wider impact that fare evasion has invalid tickets have on the railway industry. I am keen to resolve this matter to avoid further escalation. I would be very grateful if you would consider allowing me to settle this matter by paying any outstanding fares, administrative fees, or penalties as deemed appropriate.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my response. I look forward to your reply and hope for a positive resolution.
I
Since the incident, I
Extra para as per @Hadders above.
I fully acknowledge the importance of
Thank you for taking the time to consider my response. I look forward to your reply and hope for a positive resolution.
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BHX_Chiltern
On Moderation
Thank you for letting me know I have updated to say I applied the incorrect Railcard I can't find my transactions so I'll let them tell me
If you want the best outcome, and want to take responsibility for what you’ve done, my view is you should research the transactions.
They will be in your account history although you might need to log into the website rather than through the app.
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