Caught without a valid ticked

[User102]

Hi all,

I am hoping for some advice.
In October, I was caught short faring by a revenue protection officer (GOVIA) at London Blackfriars.
I had purchased a ticket from Farringdon to Blackfriars just to get through the barrier instead of my full ticket from Lingfield to Blackfriars.

I had done this 6 times previously, so 7 in total.

I honestly don’t know what I was thinking and am incredibly ashamed and remorseful. It won’t happen again.

If possible would anyone be able to read over my reply to the intention to prosecute letter?

It reads:
‘that you on X date, did enter a train for the purpose of travelling on the railway, and upon inspection and London Blackfriars; did not produce a valid ticket entitling travel.’

……


Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the letter I have received on 9th December (REF xxx).
On X date, I entered a train with the intention of travelling to London Blackfriars and did not possess a valid ticket for travel. I recognise that I was very wrong for doing this and am incredibly ashamed of my actions. I am aware of the seriousness of fare evasion and the impact it has on Govia Thameslink Railway and the wider rail network and can assure you it will not happen again.
Since this incident I have bought a full and valid ticket before boarding any trains and have also utilised a weekly ticket when I have travelled to to London for 4+ days a week.
I wondered if it would be possible to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am, of course, prepared to pay the outstanding fare and cover any administrative costs that Govia Thameslink Railway have incurred.

……


Once again, I am incredibly regretful of my actions. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking. This has been hanging over me for months and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to reach a result (hopefully a good one) before Christmas.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Dec 2023 ==

@Hadders thank you for your fantastic advice on previous posts. I used it to draft the above.

 

[fandroid]

Just a small point. You actually did have a ticket valid to Blackfriars (from Farringdon). The problem was that you didn't have a ticket valid from Lingfield, your actual starting point. I would suggest rewording the letter to make that clear.

 

[User102]

Just a small point. You actually did have a ticket valid to Blackfriars (from Farringdon). The problem was that you didn't have a ticket valid from Lingfield, your actual starting point. I would suggest rewording the letter to make that clear.

Good point
I will amend to make it clear that I didn’t have for full journey


Thank you

 

[Haywain]

Just a small point. You actually did have a ticket valid to Blackfriars (from Farringdon). The problem was that you didn't have a ticket valid from Lingfield, your actual starting point. I would suggest rewording the letter to make that clear.

In travelling from Lingfield to Blackfriars while holding a ticket from Farringdon to Blackfriars it is clear that no valid ticket was held for any part of the journey undertaken.

I will amend to make it clear that I didn’t have for full journey

See above - you just didn't have a ticket for any part of your journey.

 

[User102]

In travelling from Lingfield to Blackfriars while holding a ticket from Farringdon to Blackfriars it is clear that no valid ticket was held for any part of the journey undertaken.

See above - you just didn't have a ticket for any part of your journey.

Ok will still to my original wording.
Thanks for having a look

 

[30907]

Another small point: I might say "if you would be willing" rather than "if it would be possible" - just emphasises that you are begging not negotiating.

Basically it's fine, and you are only being prosecuted for the one occasion.

If they have spent time investigating your purchase history, they might factor that in to their costs. Online tickets from Blackfriars to Farringdon or similar are a dead giveaway

 

[User102]

Another small point: I might say "if you would be willing" rather than "if it would be possible" - just emphasises that you are begging not negotiating.

Basically it's fine, and you are only being prosecuted for the one occasion.

If they have spent time investigating your purchase history, they might factor that in to their costs. Online tickets from Blackfriars to Farringdon or similar are a dead giveaway

Thanks very much

 

[spag23]

Online tickets from Blackfriars to Farringdon or similar are a dead giveaway

...because it's generally quicker to walk between these stations; plus anyone (eg disabled) who DID have to make this journey would use contactless, which is cheaper than online purchases.

 

[6Gman]

Small point but I would change "incredibly" (which you use twice) to something like "sincerely".

Would, I think, read better and you are trying to convince them of your sincerity.

 

[User102]

Small point but I would change "incredibly" (which you use twice) to something like "sincerely".

Would, I think, read better and you are trying to convince them of your sincerity.

Great spot, thank you

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Dec 2023 ==

Redraft below:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the letter I have received on 9th December (REF xxx).
On X date, I entered a train with the intention of travelling to London Blackfriars and did not possess a valid ticket for travel. I recognise that I was very wrong for doing this and am incredibly ashamed of my actions. I am aware of the seriousness of fare evasion and the impact it has on Govia Thameslink Railway and the wider rail network and can assure you it will not happen again.
Since this incident I have bought a full and valid ticket before boarding any trains and have also utilised a weekly ticket when I have travelled to to London for 4+ days a week.
I wondered if you would be willing to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am, of course, prepared to pay the outstanding fare and cover any administrative costs that Govia Thameslink Railway have incurred.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Dec 2023 ==

Small point but I would change "incredibly" (which you use twice) to something like "sincerely".

Would, I think, read better and you are trying to convince them of your sincerity.

The second incredibly is actually just me being sorry rather than part of the reply to the mail

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Dec 2023 ==

Sorry all, am just really nervous on this.
Do you think the below is ready to send?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the letter I have received on 9th December (REF xxx).

On 10th October 2023, I entered a train with the intention of travelling to London Blackfriars and did not possess a valid ticket for travel. I am incredibly ashamed of my actions and deeply regret my decision making.

I am aware of the seriousness of fare evasion and the revenue loss and strain it causes Govia Thameslink Railway (and the wider rail network) and can assure you it will not happen again.

Since this incident I have bought a full and valid ticket before boarding any trains and have also utilised a weekly ticket when I have travelled to to London for 4+ days a week.

I wondered if you would be willing to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am, of course, prepared to pay the outstanding fare and cover any administrative costs that Govia Thameslink Railway have incurred.

I am truly sorry for my actions and the inconvenience caused to Govia Thameslink Railway.

Yours sincerely,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Dec 2023 ==

@Hadders I would be unbelievably grateful if you could review the above. The last thing I wish to do is come across incorrectly here.

 

[Hadders]

I think the letter’s fine. The only minor amendment I’d make is to make it clear in the 2nd paragraph that your journey was from Lingfield to Blackfriars.

 

[User102]

I think the letter’s fine. The only minor amendment I’d make is to make it clear in the 2nd paragraph that your journey was from Lingfield to Blackfriars.

Will add that now. Thanks very much