Govia thameslink

[newuser1985]

Hi all, I am looking for some advice. I recently had a railcard discount ticket when I didn’t have a railcard. I am still waiting for the letter to come thru, but if they go through previous history they will find previous offences. I realise the severity of the situation and what I have done is a stupid thing but I was looking for some advice as to how I should proceed once I receive the letter, should I instruct solicitors ? I am very worried about the threat of criminal conviction.

Many thanks.

 

[Haywain]

Welcome to the forum. It would help if you could give us some more information about what happened and which train company you are dealing with. Having said that, you have come to the right place to get assistance with your situation. It shouldn't be necessary to engage the services of a solicitor, something that would be likely to prove very expensive, as most cases can be dealt with by responding in the appropriate way.

 

[newuser1985]

Welcome to the forum. It would help if you could give us some more information about what happened and which train company you are dealing with. Having said that, you have come to the right place to get assistance with your situation. It shouldn't be necessary to engage the services of a solicitor, something that would be likely to prove very expensive, as most cases can be dealt with by responding in the appropriate way.

Thank you for your response. I bought a ticket with a 16-25 discount. My railcard ran out some time ago. The ticket officer explained that I would receive a letter and that if I could provide that a railcard within 14 days then there will be no further action. I panicked and said that I had one at home but i do not have one. I have done this with tickets on multiple occasions over the past year (I am an idiot I know). It was on a thameslink train, so I believe the operating company is Govia thameslink.

I understand that this may not be enough information, I would just like to be prepared with a response once I receive the letter so that I can reply asap and avoid criminal damages.

 

[Haywain]

It's enough for now, and gives me enough confidence to say that a solicitor should be unnecessary. Govia Thameslink (GTR) are a pragmatic company in these matters and almost always settle out of court. However, this is going to prove quite expensive for you. Consider the full adult fares for your journeys and the number of occasions you've done this, and then add around £150 of costs - it could be cheaper but it's best to be prepared for the worst.

 

[John R]

To add to @Haywain's comments, it's likely that you will be asked to pay the equivalent of the Anytime single fare for each journey you took, with no offset for the fare already paid. If these are local journeys then it may not be too expensive. However, if you have been travelling long distance (eg Bristol to London) for some of the journeys undertaken then the difference between (eg) and Advance single, and an Anytime single is huge. So it's important to go through all your tickets, and check the appropriate fare for each.

 

[newuser1985]

Thank you for your responses. Although it an expensive mistake I am more at ease about the out of court settlement rather than a court case.

Once I receive the letter I will post in here and if you could help me with a response that would be greatly appreciated.