Seeking Advice on GTR Fare Evasion Letter & Response Draft

[rocksbarney]

Hello, experts on this forum seems kind enough to offer free advice on navigating disputes with the railway, and I thought I would take them up on that kind offer.

I have received the attached letter from GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway). Apologies for the formatting errors in the redaction. It seems to be a rather standard letter.

Further details of what happened as follows: I was stopped by revenue protection officers at St Pancras. I had bought a ticket from Farringdon to St Pancras. The ticket showed as purchased less than a few minutes before it was scanned by Revenue Protection Officers. There was a concern I had purchased the ticket after boarding / upon seeing the Revenue Protection Officers. I claimed this was the case, and provided most other details to the Revenue Protection Officer (including a picture of my ticket). I cooperated. This is my first offence.

I have now drafted the attached letter in response. Please can you review it and let me know any feedback?

 

[John R]

So where had you travelled from? Hardly anyone buys a ticket online from Farringdon to St Pancras - it's the oldest trick in the book for those wishing to fare dodge, and one of the easiest to spot too. They will have scanned the ticket and seen that you didn't scan in at Farringdon, otherwise there would not have been an issue. You say it's your first offence, but if they look at your account (they almost certainly will) will they find other similar unscanned tickets?

As for your letter:-

I have always prided myself on being a responsible and law-abiding individual, having co-founded a global non-profit and assisted law enforcement in a criminal matter, including aiding in an arrest and providing witness statements in court. This incident does not reflect my values, and I take full responsibility for my actions.

But you have been short-faring, so clearly the wording in bold is not true, else you would not have tried to fare dodge.

As for "co-founded a global non-profit", it doesn't even make sense as written, and they won't care.

and will take all necessary steps to adhere to fare regulations moving forward.

A common AI phrase. Why not simply say "I promise to ensure I always pay the correct fare in future."

You will almost certainly be offered a settlement - GTR rarely moves to prosecution, even in egregious cases of fare evasion, but it's better that your letter appears a little bit more honest about yourself, and a little less like it has been generated from an AI query - which tend to come across as somewhat insincere, and as if you cannot be bothered to write one yourself.

 

[Same_Promo3006]

You should amend your response.
Nowhere have you explained what happened and why you had not purchased your ticket before travelling.
Simply saying sorry it won't happen again doesn't mean much.

 

[Camsus]

I'd be inclined to start again with your response.

For a start, most of this paragraph is irrelevant.

"I have always prided myself on being a responsible and law-abiding individual, having
co-founded a global non-profit and assisted law enforcement in a criminal matter,
including aiding in an arrest and providing witness statements in court. This incident
does not reflect my values, and I take full responsibility for my actions"

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Where were you travelling from and to? I assume the journey was further than Farringdon to St Pancras and if you want to be seen to be co-operating you need to tell them what you've done. If GTR search your online ticket purchasing history will this show other purchases of Farringdon to St Pancras tickets?

I agree with other forum members about the wording of the letter.

 

[rocksbarney]

Hello - thank you for all your help and the constructive feedback.

I boarded the train at Harpenden and have included this information in my revised letter, which is attached.

I understand the concerns raised about short-faring. My letter addresses the specific incident mentioned in the correspondence from GTR, and I don't think it would be wise to incriminate myself otherwise?

I previously included references to my character as I understood they could be relevant in a magistrate's court. However, I see now that focusing on the facts and responsibility is more appropriate for this situation.

To be clear, I am committed to ensuring this does not happen again.

I appreciate your continued guidance and am open to any further suggestions.

Thank you once again for your support.

 

[John R]

Attaching the revised text to help people view and comment.

Subject: Request for Out-of-Court Settlement
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your letter dated 17th February 2025 regarding the above reference.

I would like to sincerely apologise for travelling without a valid ticket on the stated date.

I fully understand the importance of fare compliance and deeply regret my actions. To clarify the situation, I purchased a ticket from Farringdon to St Pancras shortly before being approached by Revenue Protection Officers. I boarded the train at Harpenden station. I recognise I was attempting to avoid paying the correct fare, and I understand this is against the law.

I take full responsibility for my actions and am genuinely sorry. I promise this will not happen again and to ensure I always pay the correct fare before travelling in the future.

I would like to respectfully request the opportunity to settle this matter out of court by paying the outstanding fare and any associated administrative costs.

I would appreciate confirmation of receipt of this letter, either via post and/or email to the above addresses. I am keen to resolve this matter as soon as possible and appreciate your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely, xxx.

My own view is that the Subject needs to change to something that addresses what you have done - it's a bit in your face to say you are requesting a settlement in the subject.

Similarly, the request for confirmation of receipt appears very slightly passive aggressive. They will respond when they have dealt with it, and if you don't hear within a reasonable timescale then you can chase.

Other than that (and these are minor points) I think it's good to go.

 

[rocksbarney]

Thanks John - I have made those changes.

If any other members would like to feedback on the attached & updated letter that would be much appreciated.

Thanks again.

 

[John R]

It looks fine to me, but maybe wait 24 hrs just to see if anyone else has any comments.

 

[rocksbarney]

Thanks John - indeed any other feedback would be much appreciated!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Feb 2025 ==

For those that are interested, a picture of a desk in the prosecutions department at GTR!

 

[John R]

For those that are interested, a picture of a desk in the prosecutions department at GTR!

Clearly the forum site does not allow emojis, as my laughing face one disappears on hitting save.

 

[Haywain]

For those that are interested, a picture of a desk in the prosecutions department at GTR!

It's actually a picture of the reception desk at the East Side Offices at King's Cross, where all mail deliveries for the station are handled.

 

[rocksbarney]

This has now been resolved as an out of court settlement of 58.90 GBP which includes the outstanding fare due.

Thank you!

 

[John R]

That’s a very good (if not a remarkably good) result. Thank you for letting us know.

 

[rocksbarney]

Thanks for all your help John R!

 

[shaj94]

Hi just wanted to ask was this only time you did this is that why the cost was that low?

 

[30907]

Hi just wanted to ask was this only time you did this is that why the cost was that low?

The settlement at a guess is for the one journey plus £50 admin. GTR may or may not have investigated further; the OP may or may not read your post.

I see you have your own thread - I am afraid you will simply have to find out what GTR are prepared to offer in your case.

 

[rocksbarney]

Hello - I was not informed of any further investigation against me. As 30907 says you are best to just wait and see, and don't incriminate yourself!