No railcard

[wnyhar]

Hello,
I was caught by a ticket inspector travelling from London to Gatwick on 24 Feb on a 26-30 railcard ticket with no railcard. I genuinely made a mistake and bought the wrong ticket/didnt notice it was on there (the discount) as I had a migraine and was in a rush going to the airport. I stupidly told the inspector I left my railcard at home as I thought she would just give me a penalty date but she gave me a witness statement. I don’t know whether she was wearing body cam but I panicked in the moment and wasn’t well (I know it isn’t an excuse). I checked my Trainline history and there are around 5 journeys last made with a railcard I don’t have (it expired 2024). Ive calculated the cost and it’s about £300. I’ve also bought full price tickets last year for the majority of my journeys. I have a new railcard now (not the same one) but want to be as prepared as possible to try to get an out of court settlement. I can’t believe I’ve been so stupid. I haven’t received the notice yet but just wanted some advice about likelihood of settlement given the above. Thanks so much.

 

[Trainman40083]

The way you worded it, you made a mistake 5 times.

 

[jfollows]

When you were stopped, for whom did they work?
If GTR, then they will settle if you engage with them.
For example, for £150 plus the undiscounted single fares for tickets you bought against a railcard you didn’t have.

They will write to you, and you need to be honest in your response. Don’t go there with “honest“ etc., you made a mistake and need to own up to it. We all make mistakes.

Also make sure to tell them about your new railcard in your response.

 

[wnyhar]

Thank you it was GTR. Will post on the thread when I get the letter but just riddled with anxiety.

 

[wnyhar]

Also is it worth submitting my old railcard that expired in 2024 through the submission link they gave me? Or just wait until I receive the letter? Thanks so much for all the help

 

[z444z]

Also is it worth submitting my old railcard that expired in 2024 through the submission link they gave me? Or just wait until I receive the letter? Thanks so much for all the help

We have recently seen people “jump the queue” with GTR by briefly responding to that submission link basically saying that they were asked to provide their railcard on this link but cannot because they didn’t hold one, are very sorry and would appreciate the opportunity to pay the fare and admin costs to settle the matter.

I wouldn’t submit your old railcard at this stage because it isn’t what they’ve asked for anyway, and it could encourage them to check your purchasing history, which you don’t want, because it’ll be easier for them to do so if they know the exact date from which tickets with a railcard discount were invalid.

Whether or not you try the above approach to jump the queue, it’s very likely you’ll be able to settle with GTR.

If you do want to take the above approach, please draft a response and post it here for us to review before you submit it.

 

[father_jack]

You can't really leave a 26-30 railcard "at home" because it's digital only.

 

[wnyhar]

Thanks so much for all your help. I think I will write to them on the link as I am too anxious to wait knowing that I should be uploading the railcard. I’ve looked on other forums and written the below and would be grateful for comments. Thanks again, I feel completely stupid and embarrassed.

Dear Sir / Madam

Your Ref:

I am writing in response to a witness statement I received on Tuesday 24 February when I was questioned about my train ticket travelling to Gatwick Airport from London Bridge.

I was asked to upload evidence of the railcard used to this site, but I regret to say that I purchased a ticket with a railcard that I do not have, and I feel very embarrassed about doing this. I am therefore uploading this letter instead.

I understand that using railcard for a discount that I am not entitled to is wrong and negatively impacts travellers and I will ensure that this never happens again. I have also purchased a network railcard (serial number XXXXX) to legitimately reduce my fares going forward.

I would be grateful if I were allowed to pay the outstanding fare and all costs incurred to resolve this matter without legal action.

I can be contacted by e-mail on: xxxx
and by post at: xxxxxxxxxxxx

Yours faithfully

 

[WesternLancer]

Thanks so much for all your help. I think I will write to them on the link as I am too anxious to wait knowing that I should be uploading the railcard. I’ve looked on other forums and written the below and would be grateful for comments. Thanks again, I feel completely stupid and embarrassed.

Draft looks ok if you are minded to send them something at this stage to try and resolve it.

They may or may not respond to it - so you will still need to keep an eye on your post / e-mail and spam for the next 6 to 7 months.

They say they only respond to electronic stuff in certain circumstances so this may or may not work. We can share the GTR revenue protection postal address if you need that (or you can find it on letters in other threads that have had letters uploaded by people seeking help that you may already have seen).

 

[z444z]

I've made a few little tweaks, mostly for brevity, and I think the bit in bold should be replaced by an apology. Feel free to post again once you've done that so we can check again. My edits below:

Dear Sir / Madam

Your Ref:

I am writing in relation to the incident on Tuesday 24 February on my journey from to Gatwick Airport from London Bridge.

I was asked to upload evidence of my railcard here, but I regret to say that I purchased a ticket with a railcard that I do not have, and I feel very embarrassed about doing this.

I understand that using a railcard I am not entitled to is wrong and I will ensure that this never happens again. I have purchased a network railcard (serial number XXXXX) to legitimately reduce my fares going forward.

I would be grateful if I could pay the outstanding fare and all costs incurred to resolve this matter without legal action.

I can be contacted by e-mail on: xxxx
and by post at: xxxxxxxxxxxx

Yours faithfully

 

[wnyhar]

Dear Sir / Madam

Your Ref:

I am writing in relation to the incident on Tuesday 24 February on my journey from to Gatwick Airport from London Bridge.

I was asked to upload evidence of my railcard here, but I regret to say that I purchased a ticket with a railcard that I do not have, and I am very sorry about this and regret my actions.

I understand that using a railcard I am not entitled to is wrong and I will ensure that this never happens again. I have purchased a network railcard (serial number XXXXX) to legitimately reduce my fares going forward.

I would be grateful if I could pay the outstanding fare and all costs incurred to resolve this matter without legal action.

I can be contacted by e-mail on: xxxx
and by post at: xxxxxxxxxxxx

Yours faithfully

Thanks so much for your comments and for all the advice - I’ve uploaded a final draft to be sent out. Thanks so much!

 

[z444z]

Looks good to me

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Mar 2026 ==

Actually maybe replace the word “resolve” with “settle” to make it extra clear!

 

[father_jack]

I've made a few little tweaks, mostly for brevity, and I think the bit in bold should be replaced by an apology. Feel free to post again once you've done that so we can check again. My edits below:

Saying you've purchased a Network Railcard might complicate the issue. Are you aged 26 to 30 ? And if you're not how did the discount for that get applied ? You might start them off looking at your ticket history.

 

[z444z]

Saying you've purchased a Network Railcard might complicate the issue. Are you aged 26 to 30 ? And if you're not how did the discount for that get applied ? You might start them off looking at your ticket history.

Fair point. GTR will settle regardless so maybe best to remove the mention of the new railcard.

 

[wnyhar]

Thanks everyone. No I’m not aged 26-30, I was careless and left it on there, and didn’t realise my mistake and panicked when speaking to the revenue officer. I completely understand this isn’t an excuse. I’ve removed the ref to the network railcard. Thanks again for all your help.

Dear Sir / Madam

Your Ref:

I am writing in relation to the incident on Tuesday 24 February on my journey from to Gatwick Airport from London Bridge.

I was asked to upload evidence of my railcard here, but I regret to say that I purchased a ticket with a railcard that I do not have. I understand this made my ticket invalid and I am very sorry about this and regret my actions.

I understand that using a railcard I am not entitled to is wrong. I take full responsibility for my actions and I assure you that this will not happen again going forward.

I would be grateful if I could pay the outstanding fare and all costs incurred to resolve this matter without legal action.

I can be contacted by e-mail on: xxxx
and by post at: xxxxxxxxxxxx

Yours faithfully

 

[wnyhar]

Hello I’ve just received my notice of intention to prosecute and would really appreciate some help in responding. Thanks so much in advance. I have drafted the below:

Dear Sir or Madam,



I am writing in response to your letter dated 11 May 2026 regarding the incident on 24 February 2026.



I would like to offer my sincere and unreserved apologies for travelling with a discounted ticket without a valid Railcard. I fully accept that it was my responsibility to ensure I held a valid ticket for my journey, and I deeply regret that I did not do so.



I recognise that purchasing a ticket without holding a valid railcard is wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I am truly sorry for this error and am committed to ensuring that it does not happen again. I have since purchased a new Railcard [Number: xxx].



I would be immensely grateful if you would consider resolving this matter without court proceedings and I would be grateful if I can please pay the outstanding fare and your administrative costs in full in dealing with this matter.



Thank you

 

[SECR 65]

Hello I’ve just received my notice of intention to prosecute and would really appreciate some help in responding. Thanks so much in advance. I have drafted the below:

Dear Sir or Madam,



I am writing in response to your letter dated 11 May 2026 regarding the incident on 24 February 2026.



I would like to offer my sincere and unreserved apologies for travelling with a discounted ticket without a valid Railcard. I fully accept that it was my responsibility to ensure I held a valid ticket for my journey, and I deeply regret that I did not do so.



I recognise that purchasing a ticket without holding a valid railcard is wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I am truly sorry for this error and am committed to ensuring that it does not happen again. I have since purchased a new Railcard [Number: xxx].



I would be immensely grateful if you would consider resolving this matter without court proceedings and I would be grateful if I can please pay the outstanding fare and your administrative costs in full in dealing with this matter.



Thank you

Looks generally good. Other members may have refinements to suggest but seems to cover the main points.

 

[wnyhar]

Thank you so much for checking for me - will wait to see if other comments and send out by Thursday.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you so much for checking for me - will wait to see if other comments and send out by Thursday.

Include your ref number on it within the letter. Even if you are uploading it via the portal mentioned in the letter you have shared.

I would be saying that your railcard had expired and this was an oversight and you didn’t intend for this to happen. So long as that’s true. Your current draft could imply you deliberately evaded the fare by claiming a railcard discount when you knew you didn’t have one.

If you are posting it hard copy then send it tracked postage from a post office so you be sure it has been delivered.

 

[wnyhar]

thanks so much - I left it on there when looking for a sibling from before and was rushing/ had a migraine and didn’t check properly. It really was stupid of me. I have done a new draft below:

Dear Sir or Madam,



Your ref: XX



I am writing in response to your letter dated 11 May 2026 regarding the incident on 24 February 2026.



I would like to offer my sincere and unreserved apologies for travelling with a discounted ticket without a valid Railcard. I fully accept that it was my responsibility to ensure I held a valid ticket for my journey, and I deeply regret that I did not do so.



For context I was rushing to the airport and had a migraine and left the discount on there in error from searching for prices for my sibling previously and I should have checked properly before confirming the payment. When approached by the inspector, I was confused and panicked. I now realise that I should have been clearer and more diligent, and I am deeply embarrassed by this lapse in judgment.



I recognise that purchasing a ticket without holding a valid railcard is wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I am truly sorry for this error and am committed to ensuring that it does not happen again. I have since purchased a new Railcard [Number: xxx].



I would be immensely grateful if you would consider resolving this matter without court proceedings and I would be grateful if I can please pay the outstanding fare and your administrative costs in full in dealing with this matter.



Thank you

 

[WesternLancer]

thanks so much - I left it on there when looking for a sibling from before and was rushing/ had a migraine and didn’t check properly. It really was stupid of me. I have done a new draft below:

Slightly adjusted for clarity ref issue between looking for prices for sibling vs your own railcard - hope amend is clear - it's only these words I've altered
"I have since purchased a new Railcard for my own travel [Railcard Number: xxx]".

I see you can upload responses via their portal link, but of you are posting it hard copy use tracked postage so you know it has got there



Dear Sir or Madam,

Your ref: XX

I am writing in response to your letter dated 11 May 2026 regarding the incident on 24 February 2026.

I would like to offer my sincere and unreserved apologies for travelling with a discounted ticket without a valid Railcard. I fully accept that it was my responsibility to ensure I held a valid ticket for my journey, and I deeply regret that I did not do so.

For context I was rushing to the airport and had a migraine and left the discount on there in error from searching for prices for my sibling previously and I should have checked properly before confirming the payment. When approached by the inspector, I was confused and panicked. I now realise that I should have been clearer and more diligent, and I am deeply embarrassed by this lapse in judgment.

I recognise that purchasing a ticket without holding a valid railcard is wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I am truly sorry for this error and am committed to ensuring that it does not happen again. I have since purchased a new Railcard for my own travel [Railcard Number: xxx].

I would be immensely grateful if you would consider resolving this matter without court proceedings and I would be grateful if I can please pay the outstanding fare and your administrative costs in full in dealing with this matter.

Thank you

 

[wnyhar]

Thank you so much I’m really grateful. I will send today

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 May 2026 ==

Slightly adjusted for clarity ref issue between looking for prices for sibling vs your own railcard - hope amend is clear - it's only these words I've altered
"I have since purchased a new Railcard for my own travel [Railcard Number: xxx]".

I see you can upload responses via their portal link, but of you are posting it hard copy use tracked postage so you know it has got there



Dear Sir or Madam,

Your ref: XX

I am writing in response to your letter dated 11 May 2026 regarding the incident on 24 February 2026.

I would like to offer my sincere and unreserved apologies for travelling with a discounted ticket without a valid Railcard. I fully accept that it was my responsibility to ensure I held a valid ticket for my journey, and I deeply regret that I did not do so.

For context I was rushing to the airport and had a migraine and left the discount on there in error from searching for prices for my sibling previously and I should have checked properly before confirming the payment. When approached by the inspector, I was confused and panicked. I now realise that I should have been clearer and more diligent, and I am deeply embarrassed by this lapse in judgment.

I recognise that purchasing a ticket without holding a valid railcard is wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I am truly sorry for this error and am committed to ensuring that it does not happen again. I have since purchased a new Railcard for my own travel [Railcard Number: xxx].

I would be immensely grateful if you would consider resolving this matter without court proceedings and I would be grateful if I can please pay the outstanding fare and your administrative costs in full in dealing with this matter.

Thank you

Thank you so much again,I have now sent it off via the portal and will keep the thread updated.

 

[SD2323]

Hi have you got any response, i am almost in a similar situation.

 

[MotCO]

Hi have you got any response, i am almost in a similar situation.

If you require tailored assistance, please open a new thread giving all the details of the incident.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

If you require tailored assistance, please open a new thread giving all the details of the incident.

@simran2323 seemingly already has. Link to that thread below...

Issued Witness statement receipt

Hello everyone, I would appreciate some advice regarding a recent Thameslink/GTR revenue protection matter. I am 29 years old and regularly travel between Gatwick Airport and Haywards Heath for work. I hold a valid Network Railcard. On 16 June 2026, I finished work earlier than expected...

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