Short faring prosecution letter received

[Maninhat]

Hi all, on the 6th August i was caught short faring from New Street back to Longbridge. Naively I had done this six times prior. I was boarding from Longbridge to New Street (around 6 stops) to return back to Longbridge but only paying for a ticket from Five Ways to New Street (1 stop) with an open return to Five Ways. Stupid i know!! When i returned to Longbridge, staff were waiting to check tickets, i panicked and brought a full ticket. I was stopped at Longbridge and placed under caution and questioning as they knew i had just brought the ticket. I have since had the attached letter emailed to me.
I have read the helpful responses and will look to draft a letter today as im keen on responding to them as soon as possible and settling out of court.
My question is, the letter is factually incorrect as i did not apply a railcard to any of my journeys, i was stopped as i was seen to be short faring, should i highlight this to them or just go with it and apologise for the error of my ways?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Titfield]

I would correct the mistake (caused almost certainly by a wrong template being used) but make sure that all the actual wrong doing was addressed in your reply.

 

[Maninhat]

I would correct the mistake (caused almost certainly by a wrong template being used) but make sure that all the actual wrong doing was addressed in your reply.

Thank you i was thinking of correcting them, i guess ill have to watch how i word it as dont want it to come across like im correcting them.

 

[Titfield]

May I suggest you follow the advice that @Hadders gives in these circumstances:

I suggest you write a short, concise reply mentioning the following points:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

We can not guarantee it but West Midlands Trains will normally offer an out of court settlement to people who co-operate with their investigation and who haven't come to their attention before. Expect to have to pay the outstanding fare at the full Anytime rate plus an admin fee, typically around £150.

If you post a draft copy of your reply in this thread forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

There are numerous examples on the forum of letters that have been drafted and received a favourable response (ie an offer of an out of court settlement) from the TOC.

 

[Maninhat]

May I suggest you follow the advice that @Hadders gives in these circumstances:

I suggest you write a short, concise reply mentioning the following points:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

We can not guarantee it but West Midlands Trains will normally offer an out of court settlement to people who co-operate with their investigation and who haven't come to their attention before. Expect to have to pay the outstanding fare at the full Anytime rate plus an admin fee, typically around £150.

If you post a draft copy of your reply in this thread forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

There are numerous examples on the forum of letters that have been drafted and received a favourable response (ie an offer of an out of court settlement) from the TOC.

Thank you, i assume its ok to reply to their e-mail and not await an official letter as im guessing the letter will just be a back up of what they have sent digitally.

 

[Titfield]

Yes you can reply to their email rather than waiting for a hard copy letter to arrive.

Make sure you include the case reference number.

 

[Maninhat]

Yes you can reply to their email rather than waiting for a hard copy letter to arrive.

Make sure you include the case reference number.

Thats great thank you. I have devised a short reply. No sugar coating to the point and no excuses. Would you mind casting your eye over it please. Ill add the case reference when i send it.

Dear sir or madam,

Thank you for your email in relation to the incident on the 6th August 2024.

I just want to point out that i was not stopped for having a railcard attached to my ticket more so i did not have the correct ticket. I was travelling to and from Birmingham New Street back to Longbridge and did not pay the correct fare via the Trainline app instead only paying to and from Fiveways to Longbridge.

I wish to express my sincere apologies for not having a valid ticket whilst travelling on the above date. I realise this is a poor error of judgement and one which i intend not to repeat again.

I wanted to let you know this was not the first time i had brought an incorrect ticket since the 22nd July. I wish to stress i have learnt the error of my ways and will only purchase full valid tickets moving forwards. I really appreciate the opportunity to respond to you and provide my version of events.

In view of the above i would be very grateful, if it was at all possible to settle this matter out of court and for me to pay all outstanding fares and administrative costs that have occured whilst dealing with this matter.

Yours faithfully

Hi all, would someone be able to proof read the above for me please before i send it off. Would be greatly appreciated many thanks in advance. @Hadders @Titfield sorry for the tag im just anxious to send the response as soon as possible.

Thank you, i assume its ok to reply to their e-mail and not await an official letter as im guessing the letter will just be a back up of what they have sent digitally.

Do you think it is worthwhile me mentioning anything about lying to the inspector as i signed a document on the day as i claimed i changed my travel plans during the journey or do you feel this is irrelevant as they will know ive lied.