Revenue Protection officer

[jlsp]

Hi Guys,

As with many people posting within this section, i have made a massive mistake and i'm growing increasingly nervous as i read more posts.

This morning, i jumped onto my train at Rowley Regis in a blind panic without buying a ticket. I was running late for work and the train had already arrived, so stupidly, i boarded it...

When i arrived at Snow Hill Station, there were Revenue Protection Officers in place and he explained to me the action that would be taken.

I explained my version of events and he asked me a series of questions to which i answered.

Although i completely understand i am in the wrong and shouldn't travel without a valid ticket, what action do you guys think will come of this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated as i've done nothing but worry since i received this news!

 

[yorkie]

No idea, as there is no information provided as to what was said.

I am surprised a Penalty Fare was not charged?

 

[jlsp]

Nope, no penalty fare was charged.
He proceeded with the questioning almost immediatley.
I did mention i had correct change for the journey however he explained it was of no use now.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Sorry for lack of information.

He did ask why and i explained i was in a rush to get to work.

He also asked why i was leaving via the metro exit and how i was expecting to pay when there are no cash kiosks there?
I explained i always use this exit even when using a valid ticket as it is much more convenient.

However when he asked how i was expecting to pay using this exit, i replied 'in theory, i didn't leaving via this exit'

Any help much appreciated.

 

[maniacmartin]

It sounds like from your answers you've given them what they need to claim that you had intent to avoid the fare. This opens up recordable prosecutions under the Regulation of Railways Act, rather than the less serious Railway Byelaws

 

[jlsp]

It sounds like from your answers you've given them what they need to claim that you had intent to avoid the fare. This opens up recordable prosecutions under the Regulation of Railways Act, rather than the less serious Railway Byelaws

I had a feeling this would be the case... What is the likely action to be taken?
Will it be a heavy fine or court proceedings immediatley?

 

[Clip]

I had a feeling this would be the case... What is the likely action to be taken?
Will it be a heavy fine or court proceedings immediatley?

No one can answer that as no one knows what the TOC will do next until you hear from them.

 

[jlsp]

Thank you for all of your help guys.
I will keep you updated with proceedings !

 

[MyFriendMary]

I'm curious how you did intend to pay when you were making your way out through the exit with no excess fares kiosk. It would indicate that, while that exit is more convenient for you, there was no intention to pay for the fare.

If they have decided to do an MG11 [I.e. Details taken, cautionary interview and possibly asked you to sign the statement you made] then they could put it together for a prosecution case and a court summons. What steps the TOC undertakes next depends on what the RPI does and in addition if you have any outstanding/previous issues with railway RPIs

 

[455driver]

On arrival at Snow Hill why didnt you go to the ticket office?
The fact you headed straight towards an exit where it wasnt possible to pay would indicate to the RPO that you were inrending to avoid the fare, you certainly didnt make any attempt to pay.

Nothing you can do until the letter arrives I am afraid.

 

[bb21]

The problem with claiming convenience using the Metro exit is that it is difficult for anyone to believe. (I assume that by the Metro exit you meant going through the little gate between Pfm 3 and the Metro platforms and then up the Metro escalators. It is a small detour and ends up in the same place as you would had you gone directly up the escalators, but slightly further out, so why would anyone do that unless it is to avoid the barriers?

I am not saying that is what was going through your head, but this may well be what LM would think.

And trying to be clever in the way you responded to that very last question really isn't helpful.