Expired Network Railcard - GWR

[SCLA2025]

Hi all,

I commute Reading to Paddington a few times a week and usually tap in with my bank card in the morning at peak times but buy a single ticket home on my Split Ticket App (either on or off peak as applicable) and using my Network Railcard. I was caught today (20 Aug) with my Network Railcard having expired on 30 July. I recall receiving the email reminder in July but a combination of being on holiday, a busy job and toddler, I completely forgot. I haven't had to show my railcard for months so just hadn't clocked it. I've had the railcard for a few years and have previously renewed it when needed. I explained that when I was stopped today, offered to buy the new Railcard then and there and offered to pay the full fare of the ticket for the journey I had just completed. The inspector didn't say he was interviewing me under caution but took pictures of my e-ticket, expired railcard and drivers license with my details, plus asked for me to write my email address and phone number.

Stressing out!! Please help with my questions:

How long will they take to contact me?
Will this be via post or email?
Will they look at all fares I have bought since 30 July? I counted up I think 6 or 7 trips that have been taken with my expired railcard. I couldn't show them my travel history on the spot as I don't have an account with Split Ticket, I just buy the one off tickets as I go. Do they go so far as to track your bank card and all activity on it, as I obviously buy tickets with various methods, occasionally paper tickets if I need an off peak day travelcard.
Will they look at my travel history prior to the railcard expiring? (asking because on a few occasions when there's no barriers at Paddington I have short fared and bought a ticket from Twyford to RDG to get through the barriers...)

I'll pay the fine etc, I know I'm in the wrong, I feel terrible and very stressed. I have a professional job and absolutely cannot risk any prosecution or criminal record so I will do whatever I can to make this go away quickly.

 

[30907]

GWR have a policy of avoiding prosecution, so uou will almost certainly be able to settle out of court.

The letter may well be some time coming, and when it does, come back with a redacted copy for specific advice. Until then, there is nothing you can do, but don't panic!

They may well, however, search your travel history and that could affect the the amount they will ask in settlement - they may or may not pick up on your short-faring.

 

[SCLA2025]

GWR have a policy of avoiding prosecution, so uou will almost certainly be able to settle out of court.

The letter may well be some time coming, and when it does, come back with a redacted copy for specific advice. Until then, there is nothing you can do, but don't panic!

They may well, however, search your travel history and that could affect the the amount they will ask in settlement - they may or may not pick up on your short-faring.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Apart from the occasional short faring, my tickets are all bought correctly for peak/ off peak trains and with my rail card when it’s valid for the time of day.

My oversight is frustrating but it’s also frustrating when I’m frequently standing or sat on the floor for journeys I have validly paid for!!

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Will they look at all fares I have bought since 30 July? I counted up I think 6 or 7 trips that have been taken with my expired railcard. I couldn't show them my travel history on the spot as I don't have an account with Split Ticket, I just buy the one off tickets as I go.

It's likely that even without an account you have provided your email address to Split Ticket - so all your transactions could be linked back to you. You should also note that different ticket vendors show different levels of co-operation with railway companies when it comes to investigating crime.

So the practical upshot is that the only safe assumption is that GWR will find out about all your underpaid journeys. You may get lucky and they won't, but try to put aside the money for the worst case conclusion.