Expired Railcard.

[mmfreitas23]

To whom it may concern,


I hope this email finds you well,

I am emailing you regarding an incident yesterday in Oxford station and travelling from Bicester Village station. However, when I reached Oxford, I was stopped by the GWR, plus a gentleman, requesting my railcard and take a few notes, and asking my signature. Perhaps, my railcard expired in October 2020. The gentleman said I would receive a letter at home. Since then, I am very anxious, can't sleep, as I read some of the fines could go up to two thousand, additional criminal history. As I am a student, it is an enormous amount of money. It was my first incident. I bought Three railcards are previous.
I would like to know if there will be a fine? Potentially what could be the value of the fine?
If I will have a criminal register?
Taking into consideration, I bought the ticket. Perhaps I haven't noticed my expired railcard. Additionally, I am a loyal client that uses your service regularly. Thank you.
Best wishes,

 

[Gathursty]

Wait for a letter.
Reply by apologising sincerely in a letter and accept an inevitable fine.
It may not be as expensive as you think.

Have you been making several journeys with an expired railcard since October 2020?

 

[mmfreitas23]

That's not true. Because on my way back home, I purchase a new ticket without a railcard. I strongly regret. I am deeply sorry. On the last years I always bought railcard.
this is my 4th railcard. This was my first time happaned to me. I am a genuine and honest person. I am a student. Last night couldn’t even sleep.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Travelling with an expired railcard is an offence and the railway company are entitled to prosecute you. I have put below the advice I normally give to people who request help from the forum in similar circumstances to yours.

You are likely to receive a letter from the train company (or an investigation company acting on their behalf) which will probably take a few weeks to arrive saying that they have received a report, are considering prosecuting you and asking for your version of events. It is important that you engage with and reply to this letter. You might want to include the following in your reply:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

Make sure your reply is short and concise, don't give a sob story - they've heard it all before. Most train companies are usually prepared to offer an administrative settlement (commonly known as an out of court settlement) for people who engage with the process and who haven't come to their attention before. There is no guarantee of this and the train company would be well within their rights to prosecute you in the magistrates court.

If you are offered a settlement the amount varies depending on the train company and circumstances but tend to be a few hundred pounds plus the outstanding fare. An out of court settlement might appear to be a fine, but it isn't and you won't have a criminal record as a result of accepting one.

 

[skyhigh]

To whom it may concern,


I hope this email finds you well,

I am emailing you regarding an incident yesterday in Oxford station and travelling from Bicester Village station. However, when I reached Oxford, I was stopped by the GWR, plus a gentleman, requesting my railcard and take a few notes, and asking my signature. Perhaps, my railcard expired in October 2020. The gentleman said I would receive a letter at home. Since then, I am very anxious, can't sleep, as I read some of the fines could go up to two thousand, additional criminal history. As I am a student, it is an enormous amount of money. It was my first incident. I bought Three railcards are previous.
I would like to know if there will be a fine? Potentially what could be the value of the fine?
If I will have a criminal register?
Taking into consideration, I bought the ticket. Perhaps I haven't noticed my expired railcard. Additionally, I am a loyal client that uses your service regularly. Thank you.
Best wishes,

I'm a little bit confused, are you asking us for advice? Or is this a copy of an email you sent to GWR? This forum isn't linked to the train operators, but we can give advice (with apologies if you already knew that)

 

[mmfreitas23]

Thank your for your message. Appreciate it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Apr 2021 ==

Welcome to the forum!

Travelling with an expired railcard is an offence and the railway company are entitled to prosecute you. I have put below the advice I normally give to people who request help from the forum in similar circumstances to yours.

You are likely to receive a letter from the train company (or an investigation company acting on their behalf) which will probably take a few weeks to arrive saying that they have received a report, are considering prosecuting you and asking for your version of events. It is important that you engage with and reply to this letter. You might want to include the following in your reply:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

Make sure your reply is short and concise, don't give a sob story - they've heard it all before. Most train companies are usually prepared to offer an administrative settlement (commonly known as an out of court settlement) for people who engage with the process and who haven't come to their attention before. There is no guarantee of this and the train company would be well within their rights to prosecute you in the magistrates court.

If you are offered a settlement the amount varies depending on the train company and circumstances but tend to be a few hundred pounds plus the outstanding fare. An out of court settlement might appear to be a fine, but it isn't and you won't have a criminal record as a result of accepting one.

Thank you for your message. The world needs more people like you. Appreciate it. Wish you all the best.