SWR MG11

[JAKING]

Hi.

Back in March, I bought a ticket one-day with a railcard added on (I know I shouldn't have) - I regret it 100%. I had the same commute every day for 2 months so I tried it. I only saved a pound. The unlucky day I did do this, I was checked by one of the SWR staff members at the train station. I was issued an MG11 and told to wait for a letter in the post. It's now 4 months and I was wondering what I should do about it!!!

 

[Huntergreed]

Hi.

Back in March, I bought a ticket one-day with a railcard added on (I know I shouldn't have) - I regret it 100%. I had the same commute every day for 2 months so I tried it. I only saved a pound. The unlucky day I did do this, I was checked by one of the SWR staff members at the train station. I was issued an MG11 and told to wait for a letter in the post. It's now 4 months and I was wondering what I should do about it!!!

Hi there,

The process can take up to 6 months, so it’s entirely possibly they’re just working their way through a backlog.

Once you’ve got the letter, our resident fare disputes expert @Hadders has some excellent advice on how you should reply to this letter.

If you dont have it in about a month’s time from now, I would consider getting into contact with the TOC.

You definitely gave the correct address at the time?

 

[Hadders]

Welcone to the forum!

To save you looking it up here's the advice I normally give to people who come here seeking advice in similar circumstances to you.

You will receive a letter from the train company, or an investigation company acting on their behalf. The letter will say that they have received a report, are considering prosecuting you and asking for your version of events. It is important that you engage with and reply to this letter. You might want to include the following in your reply:

- 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

Make sure your reply is short and concise, don't give a sob story - they've heard it all before. Most train companies are usually prepared to offer an administrative settlement (commonly known as an out of court settlement) for people who engage with the process and who haven't come to their attention before. There is no guarantee of this and the train company would be well within their rights to prosecute you in the magistrates court.

If you are offered a settlement the amount varies depending on the train company and circumstances but tend to be a few hundred pounds plus the outstanding fare. An out of court settlement might appear to be a fine, but it isn't and you won't have a criminal record as a result of accepting one.

Feel free to post a copy of the letter once it arrives (with personal detais redacted) along with your draft reply in this thread I'm sure forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.