NIP From Chiltern Railways

[r23]

Hi Everyone,

I'm after a bit of advice. So I received the NIP letter this afternoon regarding my travel journey from Solihull to Birmingham Moor Street on 4th October 2024 for not having a valid ticket.

I boarded the train and tried to book the ticket while I was on board, as I was in a rush for my work. I was stopped by the Revenue Protection Officer on Birmingham Moor Street Station and informed that this is wrong, took my details. I complied throughout and was understanding to the officer and what he was doing.

I'm currently a student, and a criminal record can affect my career.

I fully accept as it was my fault and also admit it is wrong, however, this is the first time it has ever happened. I regularly travel by Chiltern railways and with other train companies as well.

I'm just wondering if this matter can be resolved without going to court and settled with a penalty. I know I need to mail Chiltern Railways regarding this matter.

Any advice on this would be really helpful. I'm attaching the letter received from Chiltern Railways.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Legally speaking you are required to possess a valid ticket for your journey before you board the train. Chiltern will normally offer an out of court settlement for this sort of thing as long as you co-operate with them, and haven't come to their attention before.

I suggest a short concise replyt that mentions:

- 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

If you're offered a settlement expect to pay the cost of the fare avoided at the full Anytime rate, with no credit given for the invalid ticket you did purchase. In addition they will charge an admin fee, typically around £150. Chiltern will also audit your online ticket purchasing history and if thsi indicates you've done this before they will likely factor the cost of these journeys into the settlement cost.

If you post a draft reply in this thread forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

 

[r23]

Thank You @Hadders. Below is the Mail I tried to draft. It would be appreciated if you proofread it and give any suggestions to improve it. Thank You in Advance!

Dear Sir/Madam,


I am emailing you today in response to a letter with customer reference number: which I received from Chiltern Railways dated the 28th February 2025. This was a Notice of Intended Prosecution letter and I received it on the 03rd March 2025. I understand it is about an incident on the 4th October 2024.

Firstly I just wanted to say how sorry I am for my actions. I understand that this is a big problem for Chiltern Railways and I apologise for contributing to it.

I have fully learned from that day and I have not had any further incidents on Chiltern Railways services since the incident. This was a one-time occurrence, which I am truly sorry for, and I want to rectify this mistake which I have made.

I now know that a ticket should be booked before boarding a train. The reason I was on the train is I was in a rush for my work. However, I fully understand it was my responsibility to plan my day and book a valid ticket before I board any train and I now do this every time before I travel and have done since the incident.

It would be really grateful if this matter could be settled without the need for further court action. I am happy and willing to pay the outstanding amount for the fare in question and any costs which Chiltern incurred having to investigate the matter in order to rectify my mistake.

Thank You
Kind Regards,

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

Any Update on this from anyone?