Parsleysauce
New Member
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally re-appeal the penalty fare issued to me under notice number ..................., following your response dated ....................... I appreciate the explanation provided, but I would like to clarify the circumstances further and respectfully request that this matter be reconsidered.
1. I Had Purchased a Valid Ticket
A colleague purchased a return ticket on my behalf under collection reference ................., which I successfully collected at ..................... before travelling to ............. This journey was part of a work-related visit to a children’s centre, in my capacity as an employee of ..........................., a charity based on the ...........
Although I held the valid ticket during the outbound leg of the journey, I could not locate it when requested on the return. This was an unfortunate and genuine case of misplacement — not an attempt to avoid fare payment. I understand from your response that the purchase of the ticket is not in dispute.
2. I Was Not Given the Opportunity to Explain
When approached by the ticket officer, I was immediately asked for my details and informed that their body camera was being activated. I was told I would be fined and was not given the opportunity to explain the situation or search properly for the ticket. I found the encounter abrupt and intimidating, and I was treated in a manner that made me feel as if I had acted dishonestly — which could not be further from the truth.
3. My Background and Character
I proudly served in the Armed Forces for 24 years, earning Long Service and Good Conduct recognition. I now work in the charity sector supporting children and families. Trust and integrity have defined both my military and civilian careers. Being treated as if I were dishonest or attempting fare evasion was deeply upsetting and misaligned with my values and record of conduct.
4. Modern Travel Standards and Environmental Factors
We are living in a time when most industries — including travel — are actively moving toward digital ticketing to reflect convenience, environmental responsibility, and modern consumer expectations. In many systems (such as airlines, buses, and major event venues), proof of purchase in the form of a reference number, barcode, or app-based confirmation is sufficient.
It seems outdated and inconsistent that a railway passenger who has clearly paid cannot rely on a digital or reference-based confirmation, especially when physical tickets can be easily lost, damaged, or forgotten — particularly under normal travel pressures. The reliance on single-use paper tickets also raises environmental concerns, contradicting efforts to reduce unnecessary waste and promote sustainable travel practices.
I feel that this inflexible approach does not reflect modern, fair, or environmentally conscious travel norms — and penalises honest travellers for not adhering to an outdated system, even when they’ve already paid.
5. Request for Discretion
In light of the above, I respectfully ask that this penalty fare be reconsidered. I am happy to provide additional supporting evidence, including a statement from the colleague who booked the ticket or further details of our work-related visit to .............
Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust you will view this as a genuine mistake made by someone who has always acted in good faith and continues to serve the public interest.
