Penalty Fare Dispute Denied

[CNash]

Just so that everyone reading the thread is clear, it is always advisable to pay a Penalty Fare first, independent of the appeals process, except possibly the most clear-cut cases where the passenger was definitely in the right. The clock starts ticking down independent of any outstanding appeal, which may see a decision made after the deadline for paying the Penalty Fare has passed, incurring unnecessary admin charges on top.

Wasn't there a consultation earlier in the year to require all TOCs to have a "stop the clock" policy for Penalty Fare appeals, so that arbitrary admin costs don't keep being added on while an appeal is pending?

 

[transmanche]

So all the passenger has to do is ask.

So the rules say that the passenger is entitled to a copy of the rules if they ask for them. But unless the passenger knows the rules, how do they know to ask?!?!

 

[najaB]

So the rules say that the passenger is entitled to a copy of the rules if they ask for them. But unless the passenger knows the rules, how do they know to ask?!?!

I see what you mean, but they don't have to say "The rules say you need to give me a copy of the rules..." - if a passenger asks "Can I get that in writing?" the TOC is obliged to do so.

 

[headshot119]

Which would mean that the OP wasn't lied to or 'misinformed' either!

Having witnessed a fair amount of Merseyrail RPIs in action, I have heard some dubious statements by them to people about the appeals. It wouldn't take too much for me to believe the OP may have been misinformed. Though I wasn't there at the time.

I don't want this to come across as staff bashing. RPIs, guards, byelaw enforcement officers etc all do a job which in it's nature brings them into conflict with passengers on a daily basis. Since a change in jobs a year ago I've got a much bigger appreciation of the **** you guys have to put up with.

 

[gray1404]

Yes, I too base most of my experience on Merseyrail RPIs (watching them in action rather then actually receiving a PF). I have heard some very incorrect information being given to customers about the appeal process so many times and how it will be (with certainty) canceled if the customer writes in. Has anyone on the forum ever submitted a FOI request to try to find out what the criteria for appeals on PFs is? Would this information have to be given if requested?

On the other hand, I do notice Merseyrail RPIs are the most likely to issue a PF rather then reporting you for procession, compared to those in the other TOCs.

 

[jon0844]

Just because the RPI said the OP could appeal doesn't mean that the appeal will be successful!

I've heard people being told to 'just pay the penalty now' and then 'write in to get it back afterwards', implying that it's just a formality to pay it, and an appeal would be successful.