Southeastern Letter

[sputnik]

Hi all, I wondered if you can help me with drafting a response letter to Southeastern. I was caught short faring earlier this month and have now received their letter. Having looked through some of the posts on the forum I have drafted a response with the advice I found on some of the threads here.

I truly reflected on the matter and really hope to reach a settlement with the company. Any advice or help are greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

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Dear Southeastern Railway,

I made a terrible error of judgement by not having a valid ticket from [home station] to London Charing Cross on xx Jun 2024.

I sincerely apologise for my actions and realise how stupid it was. I understand that costing your company money is illegal and unacceptable.

I am truly sorry for my actions and understand that there are no excuses. I have now reflected on the seriousness of the situation and I promise to make valid use of your services in the future.

In light of the above, I was wondering if it would be possible to settle this matter without the need to go to court. I am prepared to pay any outstanding fare and your administrative costs in dealing with this matter and hope that my wish to settle will be sincerely considered.

Best Regards,

Xxx

 

[Hadders]

I think this is fine but suggest waiting a couple of days to see if any other forum members make any further suggestions before sending it.

 

[John R]

I would just say “promise to purchase the correct ticket” instead of “valid use of your services” - sounds less clunky.

Otherwise, short (but not too short) and to the point.

 

[sputnik]

Thanks both! Will send this tomorrow or next week, hope they'll consider settling.

 

[LadyOrange]

Hi Sputnik do you mind me asking whether they replied agreeing to settle and how long did it take for them to write back after your response? I’m still waiting to hear back from my letter. It will 3 weeks this week!

 

[sputnik]

Hi Sputnik do you mind me asking whether they replied agreeing to settle and how long did it take for them to write back after your response? I’m still waiting to hear back from my letter. It will 3 weeks this week!

Hiya I actually have not received anything since sending out the letter early July, the letter was sent 1st class tracked and there was a picture showing it was delivered. I am wondering if I should write them an email.

 

[LadyOrange]

Hi by way of update they didn’t receive my letter. I ended up with a court summons and emailed them with proof of delivery and reattached my response letter. They agreed to settle so if you don’t have any response and then out of the blue get a court summons email them as they probably didn’t receive it. Hope this helps!

 

[sputnik]

Hi all thanks for your help I have received their response letter this morning. Attached below for ref.

View attachment 164051

 

[island]

Hi all thanks for your help I have received their response letter this morning. Attached below for ref.

Do you consider that the amount of £327.70 is an accurate reflection of the fares for the journeys you chose not to pay for fully?

 

[Titfield]

and the question is?

If the sum for the fares demanded is correct (or very close) to the fares avoided then self evidently paying the sum plus the administration fee would settle the matter.

 

[sputnik]

Na just showing the result. I'm gonna pay the amount nevertheless tomorrow, I haven't really calculate an amount myself.

 

[island]

Na just showing the result. I'm gonna pay the amount nevertheless tomorrow, I haven't really calculate an amount myself.

Okay. Thanks for coming back to let us know.

 

[ikcdab]

Hi by way of update they didn’t receive my letter. I ended up with a court summons and emailed them with proof of delivery and reattached my response letter. They agreed to settle so if you don’t have any response and then out of the blue get a court summons email them as they probably didn’t receive it. Hope this helps!

This is happening a lot. You posted it and they didn't receive it. Either the postie lost it or they did receive it and just didn't log it properly. This is important stuff, people are getting summons because a letter got lost on the post. What is going on?

 

[Hadders]

This is happening a lot. You posted it and they didn't receive it. Either the postie lost it or they did receive it and just didn't log it properly. This is important stuff, people are getting summons because a letter got lost on the post. What is going on?

It isn't good and we'll never know whether it's an issue with the post or at Southeastern but the fact that the cases we're aware of have been favourably resolved suggests that Southeastern are aware there is an issue and are prepared to be pragmatic about it.