Fare Evasion - 1st Class and Railcard

[desiipointment]

Hello Everyone

On Thursday, my ticket was checked by a ticket inspector for a 7am train from Cambridge to London Kings Cross. I sat in First Class even though I did not hold a first class ticket, and I had added a 16-17 railcard onto my ticket which I do not possess (I am 19.) This train is a very busy train and I sat there as I saw an open seat, still no excuse of course. I am a University student so I stupidly thought of adding the railcard to make it cheaper. It was very stupid and reckless of me to do I understand. Of course I was not fined but was given a receipt that stated I would be contacted by GTR and be given a letter of prosecution. I am not sure as to what is going to happen and I really do not want to handle this within court and with a criminal record. From what I have read on here, if an out of court settlement is agreed, I would pay the Anytime Fare Rate x2 singles as my journey was a return, and I am assuming at the 1st class rate. Since the incident I have bought the appropriate railcard for me and have been using since and sitting in the correct section.

Within my Trainline history, I have used a railcard that I did not possess x4 so I understand they may charge me for those too. However, even if I didn’t sit in 1st class for this instance would they charge 1st class rate? I have a history of using child tickets so I understand that if a court settlement is made, this will also be charged. This incident has scared me to my core which was needed as I now have been behaving properly regarding train ticket rules.

Any help with information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[WesternLancer]

Hello Everyone

On Thursday, my ticket was checked by a ticket inspector for a 7am train from Cambridge to London Kings Cross. I sat in First Class even though I did not hold a first class ticket, and I had added a 16-17 railcard onto my ticket which I do not possess (I am 19.) This train is a very busy train and I sat there as I saw an open seat, still no excuse of course. I am a University student so I stupidly thought of adding the railcard to make it cheaper. It was very stupid and reckless of me to do I understand. Of course I was not fined but was given a receipt that stated I would be contacted by GTR and be given a letter of prosecution. I am not sure as to what is going to happen and I really do not want to handle this within court and with a criminal record. From what I have read on here, if an out of court settlement is agreed, I would pay the Anytime Fare Rate x2 singles as my journey was a return, and I am assuming at the 1st class rate. Since the incident I have bought the appropriate railcard for me and have been using since and sitting in the correct section.

Within my Trainline history, I have used a railcard that I did not possess x4 so I understand they may charge me for those too. However, even if I didn’t sit in 1st class for this instance would they charge 1st class rate? I have a history of using child tickets so I understand that if a court settlement is made, this will also be charged. This incident has scared me to my core which was needed as I now have been behaving properly regarding train ticket rules.

Any help with information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Welcome. Quite a selection of deliberate evasion there then.

Whilst it’s even less clever to draw attention to yourself imho by sitting in first class I don’t think they will necessarily assume all suspicious tickets should be re charged at first class fares. But I suspect you’ll have to wait and see to be certain.

Examples of the letter you’ll likely be sent and examples of replies seeking out of court settlements are fairly easy to find on here. Hopefully you’ve found some decent ones?

It may be some weeks or more before they contact you. It’s vital you receive and respond to them so watch out for hard copy post as well as e mail and check spam carefully.

 

[desiipointment]

Welcome. Quite a selection of deliberate evasion there then.

Whilst it’s even less clever to draw attention to yourself imho by sitting in first class I don’t think they will necessarily assume all suspicious tickets should be re charged at first class fares. But I suspect you’ll have to wait and see to be certain.

Examples of the letter you’ll likely be sent and examples of replies seeking out of court settlements are fairly easy to find on here. Hopefully you’ve found some decent ones?

Hi yes I am not proud of myself and I understand that these evasions are ridiculous. I have found some cases of similarity to mine that have ended up with out of court settlements given they were remorseful and showed genuine regret in the response letter and showed genuine change e.g., buying the correct railcard and using it.

How long does it take for the letter to arrive do you know?

 

[WesternLancer]

How long does it take for the letter to arrive do you know?

See my last para above re timescales just added in.
If you are a student did you give a term time address? If so you may need a plan to obtain post after the end of term. They usually demand a reply in 14 days from date of their letter.

 

[desiipointment]

See my last para above re timescales just added in.
If you are a student did you give a term time address? If so you may need a plan to obtain post after the end of term. They usually demand a reply in 14 days from date of their letter.

I commute so I live at home, I gave my home address so the letter will be sent there. Do you think I will receive it later because of upcoming Christmas rush? I am just trying to prepare myself and get funds ready for a (hopefully) settlement.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Nov 2025 ==

See my last para above re timescales just added in.
If you are a student did you give a term time address? If so you may need a plan to obtain post after the end of term. They usually demand a reply in 14 days from date of their letter.

Also, after the incident and me using a valid railcard for the journeys now and in the future, will they be able to see that this is valid. I know they will check history of my tickets and I do not want them to think that I am continuing this behaviour and potentially include it as a form of proof. Can they see my railcard or will I have to attach it on my response to the letter of prosecution?

 

[WesternLancer]

I commute so I live at home, I gave my home address so the letter will be sent there. Do you think I will receive it later because of upcoming Christmas rush? I am just trying to prepare myself and get funds ready for a (hopefully) settlement.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Nov 2025 ==


Also, after the incident and me using a valid railcard for the journeys now and in the future, will they be able to see that this is valid. I know they will check history of my tickets and I do not want them to think that I am continuing this behaviour and potentially include it as a form of proof. Can they see my railcard or will I have to attach it on my response to the letter of prosecution?

It’s hard to know when you’ll get a letter to be honest. But at least you gave an address you will get it at.

There’s no central railcard database unfortunately. Saying you bought a correct one in your reply is a good idea as you can say you actively did something to change your ways which is important, but you’ll need to enclose a copy or at least quote the serial number.

 

[desiipointment]

It’s hard to know when you’ll get a letter to be honest. But at least you gave an address you will get it at.

There’s no central railcard database unfortunately. Saying you bought a correct one in your reply is a good idea as you can say you actively did something to change your ways which is important, but you’ll need to enclose a copy or at least quote the serial number.

Alright thank you. On other posts I saw that when I receive the letter I should post it on here and get help to draft an appropriate response. I guess it is a waiting game now. I have never been put in this position before, first time caught so I am just nervous.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Nov 2025 ==

Alright thank you. On other posts I saw that when I receive the letter I should post it on here and get help to draft an appropriate response. I guess it is a waiting game now. I have never been put in this position before, first time caught so I am just nervous.

first and last time* never putting myself in this position again

 

[WesternLancer]

Alright thank you. On other posts I saw that when I receive the letter I should post it on here and get help to draft an appropriate response. I guess it is a waiting game now. I have never been put in this position before, first time caught so I am just nervous.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Nov 2025 ==


first and last time* never putting myself in this position again

If you post an anonymised version of the letter sent to you it helps people here check exactly what you are being accused of. Though chances are it’s a standard letter.

If you post a draft of your reply people will check that for you if it’s of help to you.

 

[desiipointment]

If you post an anonymised version of the letter sent to you it helps people here check exactly what you are being accused of. Though chances are it’s a standard letter.

If you post a draft of your reply people will check that for you if it’s of help to you.

Okay thank you

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Nov 2025 ==

If you post an anonymised version of the letter sent to you it helps people here check exactly what you are being accused of. Though chances are it’s a standard letter.

If you post a draft of your reply people will check that for you if it’s of help to you.

Do GTR often prosecute? I am trying to show that I am changing whilst taking responsibility which will hopefully add to my case. So long I respond in an appropriate time and am honest and cooperative and remorseful I hope this will help. With the inspector I had no desire to lie so I gave my details willingly. Obviously you cannot predict the future but any help and advice is appreciate.

 

[WesternLancer]

Do GTR often prosecute? I am trying to show that I am changing whilst taking responsibility which will hopefully add to my case. So long I respond in an appropriate time and am honest and cooperative and remorseful I hope this will help. With the inspector I had no desire to lie so I gave my details willingly. Obviously you cannot predict the future but any help and advice is appreciate.

For people who engage with them along the lines you indicate we see them regularly settle rather than prosecute. It can’t be gauranteed I suppose but it’s highly likely that you can avoid prosecution.

I’m sure they prosecute lots of cases but suspect that’s when people don’t engage with them.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Nov 2025 ==

If you look at a thread relating to the same company, where the person stopped has updated the thread at the key points, you can work out how long it might take - but obviously this will vary from time to time involving such factors as how buy the team dealing with these are, how many staff they have, how complex the cases they are if they dig deeper into purchasing records etc

Here is one from last year I plotted a while back - might give you a guide

See this case for an idea of a timeline https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/prosecution-from-govia-thameslink.282995/

- the person (OP) was stopped on or around 1 Nov 2024
- The OP got the letter from GTR / Thameslink on 21 Jan 2025
- The OP replied to that letter around 24 Jan 2025
- The OP was offered an Out of Court settlement and paid it on 12 March

Whole process took just over 4 months which included the Christmas holiday period.

 

[desiipointment]

Hello again, I recieved an email from GTR attatched below, stating that I have avoided fares on multiple occasions which I anticipated they would discover. I did not receive a letter however, I guess they jumped straight to this to straighten everything out.

Am I mean to just say what I would say on the letter, whilst acknowledging that I have done this multiple times? Do I still mainly talk about the main incident or do I just talk about the times I have done it in general? Do I mention my railcard that I know posses and use as “evidence” for my change? I have seen others ask for a spreadsheet of what GTR have so that I can match this to my own records? I am not 100% sure what to say for this one. Any help and guidance would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[WesternLancer]

Hello again, I recieved an email from GTR attatched below, stating that I have avoided fares on multiple occasions which I anticipated they would discover. I did not receive a letter however, I guess they jumped straight to this to straighten everything out.

Am I mean to just say what I would say on the letter, whilst acknowledging that I have done this multiple times? Do I still mainly talk about the main incident or do I just talk about the times I have done it in general? Do I mention my railcard that I know posses and use as “evidence” for my change? I have seen others ask for a spreadsheet of what GTR have so that I can match this to my own records? I am not 100% sure what to say for this one. Any help and guidance would be appreciated. Thank you

Unusual but looks like they are cutting to the chase by e mailing you with this. But that may mean it can be resolved reasonably quickly.

Pretty much yes to all your questions but no need to get into lots of detail about the different occasions.

Eg acknowledge that you didn’t have a valid ticket when you were questioned by a member of staff and say something like you realise this was a serious error of judgement in not paying the correct fare and you regret to say you have done this on other occasions.

Say that you are anxious to resolve this without court action and wish to cooperate with their investigation.

Ask if they are able to send a list of travel they think was undertaken without the correct ticket you will review it against your own records if that would help resolve matters.

Indicate you are prepared to pay any fares owed along with their costs of admin.

Make it clear you will not do this in future and you have bought a railcard to help reduce your travel costs legitimately and enclose a copy of it.

Get drafting something up and post it here for checking. Keep it focussed on the key points to make. The tone needs to be that you hope they will be sympathetic towards your request not to prosecute.

 

[desiipointment]

Unusual but looks like they are cutting to the chase by e mailing you with this. But that may mean it can be resolved reasonably quickly.

Pretty much yes to all your questions but no need to get into lots of detail about the different occasions.

Eg acknowledge that you didn’t have a valid ticket when you were questioned by a member of staff and say something like you realise this was a serious error of judgement in not paying the correct fare and you regret to say you have done this on other occasions.

Say that you are anxious to resolve this without court action and wish to cooperate with their investigation.

Ask if they are able to send a list of travel they think was undertaken without the correct ticket you will review it against your own records if that would help resolve matters.

Indicate you are prepared to pay any fares owed along with their costs of admin.

Make it clear you will not do this in future and you have bought a railcard to help reduce your travel costs legitimately and enclose a copy of it.

Get drafting something up and post it here for checking. Keep it focussed on the key points to make. The tone needs to be that you hope they will be sympathetic towards your request not to prosecute.

Alright I will draft a response and upload it today for you guys to check it out. Just one question, when the Revenue Officer asked me if I intended to avoid fares, I did not exactly understand what he meant (it was 7 in the morning so my brain was not fully awake) so I said yes to get this over with. When I bought the ticket, I did not intend to sit in 1st class, it was a regretful opportunistic decision I made because this train is very busy so I just sat wherever there was a seat. Should I clarify this in my response? Or just leave it because I do not want to look like I am lying.

 

[Tetchytyke]

I wouldn't bother clarifying it as, fundamentally, it doesn't really matter. By choosing to apply a railcard discount you did not possess you intended to evade the fares. By choosing to sit in first class when you did not possess a first class ticket you intended to evade the fare. But for most railway ticketing matters, intent doesn't really come into it: you either had a valid ticket or you did not.

At this stage I would keep your reply short and sweet. Acknowledge their email/letter and state that you apologise for the issue and would like to come to a settlement to keep this matter out of court. They will then- usually- write to you and tell you just how big a cheque you'll need to write to keep the matter out of court. As a minimum, you can expect to have to pay the first class Anytime single for the journey you took and their administration fee. If your purchase history shows other tickets bought when you didn't have the railcard, then you can expect to have to pay the Anytime fare for these journeys too (I would presume they would only ask for the standard class fare, but they may not.) When you get their email, come back.

 

[desiipointment]

This is my first draft of the email. Let me know if I am too repetitive and should make changes. Thank you.

EDIT: I just realised I should include the times I used a child ticket right? To prove I am being transparent. Also, is it worth mentioning that the other times I avoided paying the correct fair it was only for the railcard and child ticket, and say I did not sit in 1st class. I am trying to avoid having to pay 1st class for all the previous tickets because I would need a bit more time to acquire that money compared to paying standard anytime ticket.

Thank you for your email dated 02/12/2025 regarding the incident on the 13/11/2025 on the train from Cambridge to London Kings Cross.

I would first like to sincerely apologise for my actions on November 13th. I boarded the train without a valid ticket, using a railcard I did not possess & was not entitled to, as well as sitting in 1st class. The Revenue Officer told me this is unacceptable and that I must purchase a valid ticket for my journey back to Cambridge, which I did. There is absolutely no excuse for this, and I take full responsibility for not paying the correct fare. I have not done this since the incident and intend to never do this again, I am genuinely ashamed of myself. This was a wakeup call for me, and since the incident I have made sure to pay the correct fare and sit in the correct part of this train. This includes purchasing a railcard that I am entitled to (16 - 25) to reduce my fares, and have been using this since the incident for my tickets. I hope that this can demonstrate my commitment to changing and abiding by the fare rules.

I acknowledge that I need to address the other regretful incidents other than November. I intend to be entirely honest and transparent about my actions. I would like to deeply apologise for this, there is no excuse for my actions and I am ashamed at my error of judgement. I fully acknowledge the seriousness of not paying the correct fare, and I take full responsibility for this.

In an effort to resolve this, I will fully cooperate with your investigation. I have researched my ticket purchasing history and I have identified the dates I did not pay the correct fare. However, to ensure that I have fully addressed all the incidents, I would be very grateful if you could provide a list of journeys associated with this matter from your own records if possible, so that I can check this against my own ticket purchasing history. I hope that my transparency and commitment to changing can demonstrate that I will fully engage with you and make amends.

Please be assured that I have learnt from my mistake and if it is acceptable to you, I would like to pay the full amount of outstanding fares and cover administrative costs that you deem suitable. I would really appreciate settling this without involvement of the court.

Yours sincerely,

 

[z444z]

EDIT: I just realised I should include the times I used a child ticket right? To prove I am being transparent. Also, is it worth mentioning that the other times I avoided paying the correct fair it was only for the railcard and child ticket, and say I did not sit in 1st class. I am trying to avoid having to pay 1st class for all the previous tickets because I would need a bit more time to acquire that money compared to paying standard anytime ticket

Just address what they’re asking you. They will probably flag up the child tickets, but there’s nothing to gain by doing the work for them. GTR basically always settle out of court so you don’t need to do anything exceptional to get the outcome you want.

Your draft looks good overall, if slightly long, but I think the second last paragraph should be changed a bit, to something like:

I would be grateful if you could provide a list of journeys associated with this matter from your records, so that I can check this against my own ticket purchasing history.

 

[Tetchytyke]

I just realised I should include the times I used a child ticket right?

No. Stick to the matter at hand, which is what happened on the train when you were stopped.

Only answer the specific questions they are asking you which, right now, relates to the journey on which you were stopped. Less is more. Answer the question and answer it truthfully, but don't go answering questions that they have not even asked yet. They have asked you to reply in relation to being stopped between Cambridge and Kings Cross, so keep your reply completely focused on that incident. Don't lie and say it was a 'one off' when it wasn't. Just don't mention other incidents at all.

In due course I am sure they will look at your purchase record and write to you asking you to account for other journeys. When they do, answer truthfully. But let them ask you.

 

[WesternLancer]

Just address what they’re asking you. They will probably flag up the child tickets, but there’s nothing to gain by doing the work for them. GTR basically always settle out of court so you don’t need to do anything exceptional to get the outcome you want.

Your draft looks good overall, if slightly long, but I think the second last paragraph should be changed a bit, to something like:

I agree with this - and would not necessarily go into too much detail in writing (they know what you did according to their records really - so no need to confirm it) - so you could amend it a bit eg like below (hope you can see the small additions)

--------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Sir / Madam

Your Ref: [insert the case ref they have given you if you have it on that e-mail etc]

Thank you for your email dated 02/12/2025 regarding the incident on the 13/11/2025 on the train from Cambridge to London Kings Cross.

I would first like to sincerely apologise for my actions on November 13th. I boarded the train without a valid ticket, using a railcard I did not possess & was not entitled to, as well as sitting in 1st class without a 1st class ticket. The Revenue Officer told me this is unacceptable and that I must purchase a valid ticket for my journey back to Cambridge, which I did. I regret that I have also travelled without valid tickets on other occasions.

There is absolutely I have no excuse for this, and I take full responsibility for not paying the correct fare. I have not done this since the incident and intend to never do this again, I am genuinely ashamed of myself. This was a wakeup call for me, and since the incident I have made sure to pay the correct fare and sit in the correct part of this train. This includes purchasing a railcard that I am entitled to (16 - 25) to reduce my fares (copy attached), and have been using this since the incident for my tickets. I hope that this can demonstrate my commitment to changing and abiding by the fare rules.

I acknowledge that I need to address the other regretful incidents other than November. I intend to be entirely honest and transparent about my actions. I would like to deeply apologise for this, there is no excuse for my actions and I am ashamed at my error of judgement. I fully acknowledge the seriousness of not paying the correct fare, and I take full responsibility for this.

In an effort to resolve this, I will fully cooperate with your investigation. I have researched my ticket purchasing history and I have identified the dates I did not pay the correct fare. However, to ensure that I have fully addressed all the incidents, I would be very grateful if you could provide a list of journeys associated with this matter from your own records if possible, so that I can check this against my own ticket purchasing history. I hope that my transparency and commitment to changing can demonstrate that I will fully engage with you and make amends.

Please be assured that I have learnt from my mistake and if it is acceptable to you, I would like to pay the full amount of outstanding fares and cover administrative costs that you deem suitable. I would really appreciate the chance to settle this matter this without involvement of the court.

Yours sincerely,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Dec 2025 ==


----------------------------------------------------

No. Stick to the matter at hand, which is what happened on the train when you were stopped.

Only answer the specific questions they are asking you which, right now, relates to the journey on which you were stopped. Less is more. Answer the question and answer it truthfully, but don't go answering questions that they have not even asked yet. They have asked you to reply in relation to being stopped between Cambridge and Kings Cross, so keep your reply completely focused on that incident. Don't lie and say it was a 'one off' when it wasn't. Just don't mention other incidents at all.

In due course I am sure they will look at your purchase record and write to you asking you to account for other journeys. When they do, answer truthfully. But let them ask you.

see post #11 and upload there - they are asking about the other journeys now and requiring a response on them in the e-mail the OP has received. In my view this must be addressed now in the response to be sent to help secure an out of court settlement for all of this.

 

[Tetchytyke]

see post #11 and upload there - they are asking about the other journeys now and requiring a response on them in the e-mail the OP has received. In my view this must be addressed now in the response to be sent to help secure an out of court settlement for all of this.

They briefly mention "multiple dates" but the bulk of the text relates to the journey on which the OP was stopped.

I don't think the OP should be volunteering any information. At most, they could put in one sentence acknowledging the comment about "multiple dates" and asking for further information. "I note your comment relating to potentially having avoided fares on multiple dates; so that I may check my records and co-operate with your investigation, please may you provide a list of journeys which you suspect I may have evaded the fare on."

The reason why they are so vague is because they want to see what the OP will fess up to before revealing their hand, as the OP may fess up to something which GTR hadn't seen in their data trawl. Makes perfect sense from an investigatory point of view, but the OP needs to be careful not to fall into the trap of admitting something they'd not even asked about.

 

[desiipointment]

So what I am hearing is that I should acknowledge and fess up about the other dates it happened, but not to specify what types of fare evading it is and not go into too much detail? This is what is confusing me because like Tetchytyke stated, the bulk of my text is about when I was stopped, but should the bulk of my text be about the other instances?

 

[WesternLancer]

So what I am hearing is that I should acknowledge and fess up about the other dates it happened, but not to specify what types of fare evading it is and not go into too much detail? This is what is confusing me because like Tetchytyke stated, the bulk of my text is about when I was stopped, but should the bulk of my text be about the other instances?

the draft says (about the other occasions)

"I regret that I have also travelled without valid tickets on other occasions."

and

"I acknowledge that I need to address the other regretful incidents other than November. I intend to be entirely honest and transparent about my actions. I would like to deeply apologise for this, there is no excuse for my actions and I am ashamed at my error of judgement. I fully acknowledge the seriousness of not paying the correct fare, and I take full responsibility for this."

I don't think this tells them anything that they don't already know or strongly suspect.

But you could delete those I suppose and replace with this:

"I note your comment relating to potentially having avoided fares on multiple dates; so that I may check my records and co-operate with your investigation, please may you provide a list of journeys which you suspect I may have evaded the fare on."

and then presumably delete this as below:

In an effort to resolve this, I will fully cooperate with your investigation. I have researched my ticket purchasing history and I have identified the dates I did not pay the correct fare. However, to ensure that I have fully addressed all the incidents, I would be very grateful if you could provide a list of journeys associated with this matter from your own records if possible, so that I can check this against my own ticket purchasing history. I hope that my transparency and commitment to changing can demonstrate that I will fully engage with you and make amends.

 

[desiipointment]

Okay thank you all for the advice. I will upload an edited version and see what everyone thinks. I understand that they will charge me for every journey I have not paid the correct fare for if they accept an out of court settlement. Just so I am prepared for every scenario, if they were to attempt to ask for all journeys at an Anytime Day Single 1st Class rate, is it worth it to negotiate and challenge this? As they have evidence of me applying railcards I do not have and using child tickets, however they do not have evidence of me using 1st class for all journeys aside this one. For the other journeys I genuinely did not sit in first class like I said this one instance was an opportunistic decision. I just want to be prepared.

 

[WesternLancer]

Okay thank you all for the advice. I will upload an edited version and see what everyone thinks. I understand that they will charge me for every journey I have not paid the correct fare for if they accept an out of court settlement. Just so I am prepared for every scenario, if they were to attempt to ask for all journeys at an Anytime Day Single 1st Class rate, is it worth it to negotiate and challenge this? As they have evidence of me applying railcards I do not have and using child tickets, however they do not have evidence of me using 1st class for all journeys aside this one. For the other journeys I genuinely did not sit in first class like I said this one instance was an opportunistic decision. I just want to be prepared.

Never seen a case with 1st class involved that also has multiple trips so don't know what they would do - I don't think they will ask for 1st class fares for every occasion - but I think you will just have to wait and see - and when they send details of the list to you, you will have a clue - if they believe you are co-operating what we see is the railway playing fair too - so you would have to go back to them and say you didn't sit in 1st class on those other occasions in the hope they would accept that.

 

[desiipointment]

This is another version of my letter, taking in your guys’ advice. Which version do you believe is better? I won’t be sending this letter until the last day so any more advice for how my email should be constructed would be great. Thank you. With the emails are they quick to respond or take a bit of time? Since they sent the email on Tuesday the 2nd my last day to respond would be Tuesday the 9th before they take further action right?

EDIT: Also I feel like with this version I seem less apologetic regarding the other incidents, although I guess its better than incriminating myself.

Thank you for your email dated 02/12/2025 regarding the incident on the 13/11/2025 on the train from Cambridge to London Kings Cross.

I would first like to sincerely apologise for my actions on November 13th. I boarded the train without a valid ticket, as well as sitting in 1st class without a 1st class ticket. The Revenue Officer told me this is unacceptable and that I must purchase a valid ticket for my journey back to Cambridge which I did. I have no excuse for this, and I take full responsibility for not paying the correct fare. I have not done this since the incident and intend to never do this again, I am genuinely ashamed of myself. This was a wakeup call for me, and since the incident I have made sure to pay the correct fare and sit in the correct part of this train. This includes purchasing a railcard that I am entitled to (16 - 25) *proof of railcard* and have been using since the incident for my tickets. I hope that this can demonstrate my commitment to changing and abiding by the fare rules.

I note your comment relating to potentially having avoided fares on multiple dates; so that I may check my record and co-operate with your investigation, please may you provide a list of journeys which you suspect I may have evaded the fare on.

Please be assured that I have learnt from my mistake and if it is acceptable to you, I would like to pay the full amount of outstanding fares and cover administrative costs that you deem suitable. I would really appreciate settling this without involvement of the court.

Yours sincerely,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Dec 2025 ==

Never seen a case with 1st class involved that also has multiple trips so don't know what they would do - I don't think they will ask for 1st class fares for every occasion - but I think you will just have to wait and see - and when they send details of the list to you, you will have a clue - if they believe you are co-operating what we see is the railway playing fair too - so you would have to go back to them and say you didn't sit in 1st class on those other occasions in the hope they would accept that.

I understand mine is a unique case. So negotiating is a no go?

 

[WesternLancer]

This is another version of my letter, taking in your guys’ advice. Which version do you believe is better? I won’t be sending this letter until the last day so any more advice for how my email should be constructed would be great. Thank you. With the emails are they quick to respond or take a bit of time? Since they sent the email on Tuesday the 2nd my last day to respond would be Tuesday the 9th before they take further action right?

EDIT: Also I feel like with this version I seem less apologetic regarding the other incidents, although I guess its better than incriminating myself.

Thank you for your email dated 02/12/2025 regarding the incident on the 13/11/2025 on the train from Cambridge to London Kings Cross.

I would first like to sincerely apologise for my actions on November 13th. I boarded the train without a valid ticket, as well as sitting in 1st class without a 1st class ticket. The Revenue Officer told me this is unacceptable and that I must purchase a valid ticket for my journey back to Cambridge which I did. I have no excuse for this, and I take full responsibility for not paying the correct fare. I have not done this since the incident and intend to never do this again, I am genuinely ashamed of myself. This was a wakeup call for me, and since the incident I have made sure to pay the correct fare and sit in the correct part of this train. This includes purchasing a railcard that I am entitled to (16 - 25) *proof of railcard* and have been using since the incident for my tickets. I hope that this can demonstrate my commitment to changing and abiding by the fare rules.

I note your comment relating to potentially having avoided fares on multiple dates; so that I may check my record and co-operate with your investigation, please may you provide a list of journeys which you suspect I may have evaded the fare on.

Please be assured that I have learnt from my mistake and if it is acceptable to you, I would like to pay the full amount of outstanding fares and cover administrative costs that you deem suitable. I would really appreciate settling this without involvement of the court.

Yours sincerely,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Dec 2025 ==


I understand mine is a unique case. So negotiating is a no go?

I’d have said that’s fine. I wouldn’t hold off sending your reply to the last minute. The key settling is to co operate from what we see so dragging heals is best avoided if possible.

Ref negotiating I don’t think you’ll need to because my hunch is they won’t assume you were in first class every time anyway. But if they do cross that bridge when you come to it. I suspect if they think you are co operating then they will believe you if you say that you were not in first class on other occasions.

 

[desiipointment]

I’d have said that’s fine. I wouldn’t hold off sending your reply to the last minute. The key settling is to co operate from what we see so dragging heals is best avoided if possible.

Ref negotiating I don’t think you’ll need to because my hunch is they won’t assume you were in first class every time anyway. But if they do cross that bridge when you come to it. I suspect if they think you are co operating then they will believe you if you say that you were not in first class on other occasions.

Ok I’ll send it the day before, and yes if I need to negotiate I’ll come back on here for advice and help. Thanks alot

 

[WesternLancer]

Ok I’ll send it the day before, and yes if I need to negotiate I’ll come back on here for advice and help. Thanks alot

Yes. Let us know how you get on.

 

[desiipointment]

Hi everyone just an update, I received and paid the settlement today totalling at 700 pounds for around 24 journeys. Surprisingly, when they sent the spreadsheet, they did not charge me at Anytime Day Single for all of the journeys, a-lot were off peak or super off peak for when I travelled at those times. I was ready to pay much more so I am very thankful they did this for me without having to request it. Thank you all, especially @WesternLancer for helping me through this. I hope to never have to visit this forum again! Lesson learnt.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi everyone just an update, I received and paid the settlement today totalling at 700 pounds for around 24 journeys. Surprisingly, when they sent the spreadsheet, they did not charge me at Anytime Day Single for all of the journeys, a-lot were off peak or super off peak for when I travelled at those times. I was ready to pay much more so I am very thankful they did this for me without having to request it. Thank you all, especially @WesternLancer for helping me through this. I hope to never have to visit this forum again! Lesson learnt.

Many thanks for update - that sounds like a helpful response, albeit a fair old cost to you - we do see GTR being more reasonable about the sums demanded than some other train operators.

Presume no issue with other fares being asked for at 1st class rate then?

As a matter of note if travel is on a 'Thameslink' branded train (I think a Class 700 type train) the rear 1st class compartment to direction of travel is legitimately available for use by Standard class ticket holders - the scrolling display in that compartment on the ceiling says this occasionally. Not sure if this type operates on your route. Given what happened I suspect you will want to be 100% confident before sitting in a 1st class seat now however...

see

First Class | Thameslink Railway

Upgrade to First Class on Southern for your season ticket, day ticket or Travelcard.

www.thameslinkrailway.com

Is First Class available on all Thameslink trains?
No, not all Thameslink services offer First Class seating. On routes served by Thameslink trains, first class accommodation can be found at the very front of the train. The first class compartment at the rear of Thameslink trains is always declassified. Please check your specific route before travelling. Our timetables display which services have First Class accommodation

some images of the type of train I refer to here

British Rail Class 700 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[desiipointment]

Many thanks for update - that sounds like a helpful response, albeit a fair old cost to you - we do see GTR being more reasonable about the sums demanded than some other train operators.

Presume no issue with other fares being asked for at 1st class rate then?

As a matter of note if travel is on a 'Thameslink' branded train (I think a Class 700 type train) the rear 1st class compartment to direction of travel is legitimately available for use by Standard class ticket holders - the scrolling display in that compartment on the ceiling says this occasionally. Not sure if this type operates on your route. Given what happened I suspect you will want to be 100% confident before sitting in a 1st class seat now however...

see

First Class | Thameslink Railway

Upgrade to First Class on Southern for your season ticket, day ticket or Travelcard.

www.thameslinkrailway.com

some images of the type of train I refer to here

British Rail Class 700 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Yes GTR seem much more reasonable. About the 1st class rate for other journeys, I found out that legally without hard proof such as CCTV, Recordings, my own admission and/or Inspector Note etc, they cannot charge me 1st class rate for all journeys, as assumption based on past journeys is apparently not valid evidence. Even then, the burden of proof falls on them and unless they took me to court, it would be alot of effort to find CCTV footage so I don‘t think they would bother. I’m not 100% sure if that is all true but thats what I found out. Thank you letting me know about Thameslink train, I’ll be sure to keep an eye out! My train is normally Greater Northern but its good to know this.