Caught using an invalid ticket

[dwhit7]

Hi all,

Today I was caught using a child ticket as an adult and have done the is a few times before but them times my ticket was not even scanned. I know it is stupid as the tickets as an adult aren’t even expensive anyway.
Today I gave the inspector my details he said that he won’t be fining me I will have to wait for the letter to see how much I will owe. I have been reading and it seems a lot of people get letters of prosecution and could face prison time. What would be the chances of that.
TIA

 

[z444z]

Prison is not on the table. It doesn’t happen for basic fare evasion.

What train company is this?

 

[dwhit7]

Prison is not on the table. It doesn’t happen for basic fare evasion.

What train company is this?

Northern rail

 

[z444z]

Northern rail

Northern are generally open to settling out of court, but the way you respond to them does seem to matter more than some other companies, so take your time and have us check your draft before you send it.

Northern don’t generally seem to investigate ticket purchasing history which is lucky for you. Don’t tell them anything they haven’t asked about, but as you have done this before you shouldn’t imply that you haven’t, or that you did this by accident etc.

Your letter basically needs to:
• Provide the reference number and date of the incident
• Apologise for travelling without a valid ticket and assure them that you won’t do it again (if you can do something to make this more believable, such as buying a railcard or (if you’d benefit from one) a season ticket, do, and provide them with proof)
• Ask if they would be willing to settle the matter out of court, and say that you’re prepared to pay the fare owed as well as their administrative costs

 

[dwhit7]

Northern are generally open to settling out of court, but the way you respond to them does seem to matter more than some other companies, so take your time and have us check your draft before you send it.

Northern don’t generally seem to investigate ticket purchasing history which is lucky for you. Don’t tell them anything they haven’t asked about, but as you have done this before you shouldn’t imply that you haven’t, or that you did this by accident etc.

Your letter basically needs to:
• Provide the reference number and date of the incident
• Apologise for travelling without a valid ticket and assure them that you won’t do it again (if you can do something to make this more believable, such as buying a railcard or (if you’d benefit from one) a season ticket, do, and provide them with proof)
• Ask if they would be willing to settle the matter out of court, and say that you’re prepared to pay the fare owed as well as their administrative costs

Thanks for you advice mate i appreciate it and it does lower my concerns.

 

[z444z]

Sorry just realised this only happened today - come back when they write to you and we can help

 

[dwhit7]

Sorry just realised this only happened today - come back when they write to you and we can help

Will do cheers mate

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Today I was caught using a child ticket as an adult and have done the is a few times before...

Welcome to the forum. How old are you now? 16 or 17? Or 18+? Do you qualify for a railcard which will give you legit discounts?

 

[dwhit7]

Welcome to the forum. How old are you now? 16 or 17? Or 18+? Do you qualify for a railcard which will give you legit discounts?

18+ and the inspector was quite fair with me he spoke about what I can do and he mentioned going for a 16-25 rail card

 

[dwhit7]

Northern are generally open to settling out of court, but the way you respond to them does seem to matter more than some other companies, so take your time and have us check your draft before you send it.

Northern don’t generally seem to investigate ticket purchasing history which is lucky for you. Don’t tell them anything they haven’t asked about, but as you have done this before you shouldn’t imply that you haven’t, or that you did this by accident etc.

Your letter basically needs to:
• Provide the reference number and date of the incident
• Apologise for travelling without a valid ticket and assure them that you won’t do it again (if you can do something to make this more believable, such as buying a railcard or (if you’d benefit from one) a season ticket, do, and provide them with proof)
• Ask if they would be willing to settle the matter out of court, and say that you’re prepared to pay the fare owed as well as their administrative costs

Hi mate I got my letter yesterday and I did not get a letter of prosecution it was only a fine of £15 which was a relief so just wanted to say thank you for your advice

 

[z444z]

Thanks for the update, I’m sure that’s a relief! Would you mind sharing a copy (redact person details) of the letter you received? Would be helpful for us but no worries if not.

 

[dwhit7]

Yes mate will do so tomorrow