Help! I got in trouble today boarding an earlier train with an Advanced Ticket

[lionesswinnie]

I was exhausted and finished a training 4 hours early for my return journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Taunton. I had waited outside the train station all afternoon but became hot and bothered, also panicked as my phone was dying and I needed a pee and got on the 16:45 train instead of the 17:11 train. The train was late and I was on a call so I wasn’t really paying attention when I came out of the ladies toilet on Platform 12. The ticket master caught me and for the first time in my life I lied and did everything I could to make it go away. I would have paid but I genuinely did not have my bank card on me and although I had my bank app open to give long card number, the ticket master said he could not take payment any other way without my bank card or cash. I asked to get off the train but the ticket master said my stop is the next anyways. I was quite scared and gave false details because I was also worried if my husband found out, I’ll be in big trouble. We are financially stressed at the moment.

Meanwhile, all this time I was scared about my husband finding out, the camera was rolling. The ticket master threw every word at me: fraud, hundreds of pound fine, court, police but I was more scared of getting in trouble at home.

As soon as I got home I looked for my bank card (which had slipped out of the phone pocket sometime overnight as my phone case has gotten loose over the years). I tried to call cross country customer service to pay as soon as I got my card but their customer service line is closed now until tomorrow.

Please any advice on how to resolve this? My husband is going to find out afterall. I don’t want any letters send to my address but I think the e-ticket app will probably give away my address.

Many thanks for your help.

 

[Haywain]

So, to be clear, although your ticket was restricted to the CrossCountry service you actually boarded a GWR an earlier CrossCountry service but were unable to pay for a ticket when you were given the opportunity?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 May 2025 ==

Please any advice on how to resolve this? My husband is going to find out afterall. I don’t want any letters send to my address but I think the e-ticket app will probably give away my address.

We would normally advise to wait for a letter to arrive from the train company, but if this is likely to cause you real, genuine, difficulty it may be appropriate to proactively contact CrossCountry's prosecutions team (if you have a secure email address). However, don't do anything just yet as other opinions may be available.

 

[ikcdab]

Did you eventually give your correct details? You say you gave a false name and address?

 

[WesternLancer]

I was exhausted and finished a training 4 hours early for my return journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Taunton. I had waited outside the train station all afternoon but became hot and bothered, also panicked as my phone was dying and I needed a pee and got on the 16:45 train instead of the 17:11 train. The train was late and I was on a call so I wasn’t really paying attention when I came out of the ladies toilet on Platform 12. The ticket master caught me and for the first time in my life I lied and did everything I could to make it go away. I would have paid but I genuinely did not have my bank card on me and although I had my bank app open to give long card number, the ticket master said he could not take payment any other way without my bank card or cash. I asked to get off the train but the ticket master said my stop is the next anyways. I was quite scared and gave false details because I was also worried if my husband found out, I’ll be in big trouble. We are financially stressed at the moment.

Meanwhile, all this time I was scared about my husband finding out, the camera was rolling. The ticket master threw every word at me: fraud, hundreds of pound fine, court, police but I was more scared of getting in trouble at home.

As soon as I got home I looked for my bank card (which had slipped out of the phone pocket sometime overnight as my phone case has gotten loose over the years). I tried to call cross country customer service to pay as soon as I got my card but their customer service line is closed now until tomorrow.

Please any advice on how to resolve this? My husband is going to find out afterall. I don’t want any letters send to my address but I think the e-ticket app will probably give away my address.

Many thanks for your help.

Welcome - you will get advice and help here from people but it would help if you can be a bit clearer on a few aspects of this.

a) Did the member of staff on the train (guard or revenue protection officer) actually offer to sell you a new ticket on board the train? - if they did it's unfortunate you were not able to buy one as that would have resolved the situation at the least cost

b) you can avoid the threats of police / prosecution etc if you co-operate with them, but the biggest problem you have created for yourself is by giving false details - because the best way to co-operate with them is by responding to the letter (most likely) or e-mail (possibly) they will send you. If you don't receive that and thus don't reply this will escalate to court automatically and eventually the court (or their bailiffs) will find you by which time the sum you will need to pay will have significantly escalated.

Please be aware I'm not trying to frighten you about that - it's just the way this process typically plays out

c) Were you given any slip of paper by the ticket inspector on the train? If that has a reference number then you may be able to contact them to correct your address details (a lot of people give false details, and you should be aware that is a separate offence to do this on a train, but for what we see it's very rare for anyone to get prosecuted for that). If you have that info we can help you draft a simple message to them to start getting that problem solved. Even if no papers were issued to you you could still write to them to get your address corrected.

What you did wrong by boarding the wrong train isn't the most serious ticketing offence ever so this can be resolved, but giving them false details now makes you resolving it more difficult unfortunately.

I'm not sure what you paid for your ticket but a ticket you could have used on any train (an Anytime Single) would have been £17.60. Your ticket probably gave you a saving in exchange for only travelling on the specific time train detailed on the ticket

So you might be expected to pay £17.60 but unfortunately also an 'admin fee' for them having to look into what has happened which might be in the region of circa £150.

If it went to court it will end up costing you more than this (plus a criminal record) so you do need to take steps to prevent that happening.

 

[Pushpit]

The other question going through my mind, is what address did you use? Was it someone you know or a random address? If they scan your ticket they can indeed fine your account details, including address.

Yes, this is a ridiculous escalation to your core porblem - one can change an Advance ticket if necessary, particularly if an online purchase. There would be a fee to pay, plus sometimes a £5 amendment cost, but it's sometimes fairly modest. Onboard it costs more, but they way this played out is off the scale thanks to your actions. I would hope CC can see through this, and take a pragmatic approach here.

I appreciate your husband isn't going to like this news, but one of the jobs he signed up to with marriage is to support you when bad things happen. But rest assured, this is resolvable and you will get through this.

 

[Kath123]

So, to be clear, although your ticket was restricted to the CrossCountry service you actually boarded a GWR service but were unable to pay for a ticket when you were given the opportunity?

Obviously we’ll have to wait for the OP to confirm but I’m not sure they boarded a GWR service. Realtime trains website says there was a Cross Country service leaving Bristol Temple Meads at 16:45 today heading for Plymouth calling at Taunton. I think they might have caught that rather than the 17:11 Cross Country service they had a ticket for?

 

[WesternLancer]

The other question going through my mind, is what address did you use? Was it someone you know or a random address? If they scan your ticket they can indeed fine your account details, including address.

Yes, this is a ridiculous escalation to your core porblem - one can change an Advance ticket if necessary, particularly if an online purchase. There would be a fee to pay, plus sometimes a £5 amendment cost, but it's sometimes fairly modest. Onboard it costs more, but they way this played out is off the scale thanks to your actions. I would hope CC can see through this, and take a pragmatic approach here.

I appreciate your husband isn't going to like this news, but one of the jobs he signed up to with marriage is to support you when bad things happen. But rest assured, this is resolvable and you will get through this.

I'm thinking the OP is not dealing with Cross Country. The ticket they booked for the 17.11 departure Bristol Temple meads to taunton was for a Cross Country Service, but they caught an earlier train

There didn't seem to be a 16.45 train (as mentioned in post #1) to taunton but there was a 16.52 GWR train to Taunton today so I'm guessing the OP caught that one

So as mentioned by @Haywain it may be the OP is dealing with GWR

The good news is that GWR seem to be easier to deal with than Cross Country over these matters

EDIT

Just seen at @Kath123 post - which I suspect is correct (train left Bristol 4 mins late) - Cross Country Edinburgh to Plymouth train due to leave Bristol Temple Meads at 16.45 which tallies with post #1 info.

 

[lionesswinnie]

The other question going through my mind, is what address did you use? Was it someone you know or a random address? If they scan your ticket they can indeed fine your account details, including address.

Yes, this is a ridiculous escalation to your core porblem - one can change an Advance ticket if necessary, particularly if an online purchase. There would be a fee to pay, plus sometimes a £5 amendment cost, but it's sometimes fairly modest. Onboard it costs more, but they way this played out is off the scale thanks to your actions. I would hope CC can see through this, and take a pragmatic approach here.

I appreciate your husband isn't going to like this news, but one of the jobs he signed up to with marriage is to support you when bad things happen. But rest assured, this is resolvable and you will get through this.

I know I messed it up not having my credit card with me today of all days… I used my neighbours house number but all other details was correct. I just didn’t want a letter coming to my address and my husband finding out.

The other question going through my mind, is what address did you use? Was it someone you know or a random address? If they scan your ticket they can indeed fine your account details, including address.

Yes, this is a ridiculous escalation to your core porblem - one can change an Advance ticket if necessary, particularly if an online purchase. There would be a fee to pay, plus sometimes a £5 amendment cost, but it's sometimes fairly modest. Onboard it costs more, but they way this played out is off the scale thanks to your actions. I would hope CC can see through this, and take a pragmatic approach here.

I appreciate your husband isn't going to like this news, but one of the jobs he signed up to with marriage is to support you when bad things happen. But rest assured, this is resolvable and you will get through this.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 May 2025 ==

So, to be clear, although your ticket was restricted to the CrossCountry service you actually boarded a GWR service but were unable to pay for a ticket when you were given the opportunity?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 May 2025 ==


We would normally advise to wait for a letter to arrive from the train company, but if this is likely to cause you real, genuine, difficulty it may be appropriate to proactively contact GWR's prosecutions team (if you have a secure email address). However, don't do anything just yet as other opinions may be available.

It was definitely Cross Country… I did panic too when the ticket master called me out… I thought I was on GWR but it was definitely (probably a late running) Cross Country.

 

[Haywain]

Obviously we’ll have to wait for the OP to confirm but I’m not sure they boarded a GWR service. Realtime trains website says there was a Cross Country service leaving Bristol Temple Meads at 16:45 today heading for Plymouth calling at Taunton. I think they might have caught that rather than the 17:11 Cross Country service they had a ticket for?

So it would seem. I read it as departing from Taunton.

I appreciate your husband isn't going to like this news, but one of the jobs he signed up to with marriage is to support you when bad things happen.

It is important to be aware that those who should be supportive do not always act in such an appropriate manner. In such situations the OP's apparent concern may be warranted.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 May 2025 ==

It was definitely Cross Country… I did panic too when the ticket master called me out… I thought I was on GWR but it was definitely (probably a late running) Cross Country.

Yes, my apologies for misreading your post.

 

[Pushpit]

I know I messed it up not having my credit card with me today of all days… I used my neighbours house number but all other details was correct. I just didn’t want a letter coming to my address and my husband finding out.

I suspect CC will rely on the details in the app, but it is possible they will use your neighbour's address and write to you there. Which is perhaps helpful on one level, but it is vital that any letter sent to that address gets to you and you respond. One of the reasons why people end up in court - at least in this forum - is due to railway company letters not reaching the intended person in the first instance.

 

[lionesswinnie]

The other question going through my mind, is what address did you use? Was it someone you know or a random address? If they scan your ticket they can indeed fine your account details, including address.

Yes, this is a ridiculous escalation to your core porblem - one can change an Advance ticket if necessary, particularly if an online purchase. There would be a fee to pay, plus sometimes a £5 amendment cost, but it's sometimes fairly modest. Onboard it costs more, but they way this played out is off the scale thanks to your actions. I would hope CC can see through this, and take a pragmatic approach here.

I appreciate your husband isn't going to like this news, but one of the jobs he signed up to with marriage is to support you when bad things happen. But rest assured, this is resolvable and you will get through this.

Welcome - you will get advice and help here from people but it would help if you can be a bit clearer on a few aspects of this.

a) Did the member of staff on the train (guard or revenue protection officer) actually offer to sell you a new ticket on board the train? - if they did it's unfortunate you were not able to buy one as that would have resolved the situation at the least cost

b) you can avoid the threats of police / prosecution etc if you co-operate with them, but the biggest problem you have created for yourself is by giving false details - because the best way to co-operate with them is by responding to the letter (most likely) or e-mail (possibly) they will send you. If you don't receive that and thus don't reply this will escalate to court automatically and eventually the court (or their bailiffs) will find you by which time the sum you will need to pay will have significantly escalated.

Please be aware I'm not trying to frighten you about that - it's just the way this process typically plays out

c) Were you given any slip of paper by the ticket inspector on the train? If that has a reference number then you may be able to contact them to correct your address details (a lot of people give false details, and you should be aware that is a separate offence to do this on a train, but for what we see it's very rare for anyone to get prosecuted for that). If you have that info we can help you draft a simple message to them to start getting that problem solved. Even if no papers were issued to you you could still write to them to get your address corrected.

What you did wrong by boarding the wrong train isn't the most serious ticketing offence ever so this can be resolved, but giving them false details now makes you resolving it more difficult unfortunately.

I'm not sure what you paid for your ticket but a ticket you could have used on any train (an Anytime Single) would have been £17.60. Your ticket probably gave you a saving in exchange for only travelling on the specific time train detailed on the ticket

So you might be expected to pay £17.60 but unfortunately also an 'admin fee' for them having to look into what has happened which might be in the region of circa £150.

If it went to court it will end up costing you more than this (plus a criminal record) so you do need to take steps to prevent that happening.

1. Yes he offered to sell me a ticket but would not take a long card number or accept bank transfer as I did not have a bank card.

2) I was not given any slip paper. He stormed off upset as he believed I was wasting his time when I was genuinely shaking with the fear of being arrested by the police at the station. I was not present really and recall begging to give me a bank detail to pay to. I’ve never been in so much trouble in my life.

I have since tried to update my address on TrainPal as they have my old London address on file.

Thank you for your support so far.
I still have the urge to contact them and pay over the phone if that’s an option as don’t want a letter being sent and my husband finding out about this.

 

[WesternLancer]

1. Yes he offered to sell me a ticket but would not take a long card number or accept bank transfer as I did not have a bank card.

They can only take payment with the equipment they are given to use on the train I imagine. Probably always worth having at least some cash on you for emergencies.

2) I was not given any slip paper. He stormed off upset as he believed I was wasting his time when I was genuinely shaking with the fear of being arrested by the police at the station. I was not present really and recall begging to give me a bank detail to pay to. I’ve never been in so much trouble in my life.

I have since tried to update my address on TrainPal as they have my old London address on file.

Good idea. Correct this.

Thank you for your support so far.
I still have the urge to contact them and pay over the phone if that’s an option as don’t want a letter being sent and my husband finding out about this.

Do not do this. They won’t accept payment now. And you would have no idea what you were having to pay or what for. It could even risk you getting into more of a mess.

Can you trust your neighbours to give you the post when it comes do you think?

Could you take them into your confidence and just explain you need them to watch out for an important letter that you need them to pass on to you when it arrives (which might be in some weeks time).

Furthermore if you weren’t given any paperwork by the guard it’s just possible that nothing more will come of this. He may not complete paperwork to ‘report you for investigation’ which is what would tend to happen if a passenger doesn’t have a valid ticket and was given the chance to buy one but had no method to pay.

However did you see if he made a note of the address you gave?

 

[lionesswinnie]

They can only take payment with the equipment they are given to use on the train I imagine. Probably always worth having at least some cash on you for emergencies.




Good idea. Correct this.


Do not do this. They won’t accept payment now. And you would have no idea what you were having to pay or what for. It could even risk you getting into more of a mess.

Can you trust your neighbours to give you the post when it comes do you think?

Could you take them into your confidence and just explain you need them to watch out for an important letter that you need them to pass on to you when it arrives (which might be in some weeks time).

Furthermore if you weren’t given any paperwork by the guard it’s just possible that nothing more will come of this. He may not complete paperwork to ‘report you for investigation’ which is what would tend to happen if a passenger doesn’t have a valid ticket and was given the chance to buy one but had no method to pay.

However did you see if he made a note of the address you gave?

Thank you for your advice. I’ll hold off and wait. Yes, I’ve told my neighbour to be on the look out for the letter. Yes, he made note of the address I gave.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you for your advice. I’ll hold off and wait. Yes, I’ve told my neighbour to be on the look out for the letter. Yes, he made note of the address I gave.

Ok. Thats good. Thanks for the info.

This is good because getting the letter is key to sorting this out. Which we can help you do. It may be a few weeks before a letter is sent.

I’m mindful that you want to avoid discussing this with your husband which is fair enough. So one thing you should do if you can is to try to save up (or arrange to borrow from a trusted friend perhaps) maybe £200 to deal with this. It may cost less but best to have enough in case. I suspect if they offer to settle the matter it would even be possible for a friend to make any payment for you so that it doesn’t go through a joint account with your husband for example. If that would be of help.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

So one thing you should do if you can is to try to save up (or arrange to borrow from a trusted friend perhaps) maybe £200 to deal with this. It may cost less but best to have enough in case.

Think the fare now due (Bristol TM to Taunton) is just £17.60 (Anytime Day Single). But how much might that sum be bumped up by Cross Country with administration/investigation fees, etc.?

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Staff cannot take payment using the 16 digit card number or a bank transfer (that's not just on the railway either). The physical card (or Apple/Google wallet equivilent) has to be physically present.

It's a shame you were unable to pay onboard as the matter will now be escalated. CrossCountry (or more likely a contractor they use on their behalf called Transport Investigations Limited) will write to you. The letter is likely to be sent to the address you gave them, although it could be to the address on your Trainpal app if that is how you purchased your ticket (was the ticket scanned?) It is extremely important that you are able to get hold of the letter.

Do not contact CrossCountry ahead of them writing to you. This is because you don't know what they're going to say or ask and also because without a case reference number they're unlikley to be able to match up your case. Customer Services won't be able to helo and the Prosecutions Department won't speak to you on the phone anyway.

When their letter does arrive post a redacted copy of it in this thread, along with your draft reply and forum members will proof read it for you.

 

[WesternLancer]

Think the fare now due (Bristol TM to Taunton) is just £17.60 (Anytime Day Single). But how much might that sum be bumped up by Cross Country with administration/investigation fees, etc.?

Yes, this is the issue for the OP - and a big shame on the one day this happened they didn't have a useable payment method on them. Admin fee could be £100 (see below)

@lionesswinnie - from your thread here you hopefully now have more of an idea what could happen next - and the key to this will be any letter / communication they send

It might help you to get an idea of the sort of letter by looking at post #1 of this other thread involving Cross Country

It's the letter from Cross Country / ITAL uploaded on post #1 that I'm suggesting you look at.
bear in mind the actual case for this person is different to yours because in that case the person was on a much longer journey, with an expired Railcard, and then did not engage in the best way with the train company and it has escalated to prosecution point I think - you can avoid all that

But you will see in the letter that ITAL acting on behalf of Cross Country were asking for the fare owed + £100 admin costs if paid within 21 days of the letter.

You might expect to get something like that, but we can't be completely sure as cases are different (and yours is certainly different to this example)

CrossCountry Prosecution

Hi, my lad bought a day return ticket from Manchester Pic to Southampton Airport weeks in advance of the trip to visit a University. He has a 16-25 Railcard and mistakenly bought a 16-17 ticket, he had just turned 18, 2 months previously. He paid for insurance as well, so was not intentionally...

www.railforums.co.uk

Whatever you receive head back here for advice on how best to deal with it / respond to it. In the mean time try not to worry too much about it, but put some savings aside to deal with it in due course.