Thameslink fare evasion

[Wizjager]

Hi Everyone,

This morning, I found myself on the platform without a ticket. It was a rare situation for me as I have always been diligent about paying for my travel over the years. However, today and yesterday, I couldn't pay for my travel due to unforeseen circumstances, and I needed to get to work. The inspector took down my details, and I made sure to explain that I have a track record of always paying for my travel. I even showed him my bank account with previous transactions with TfL (Transport for London) as evidence. Despite my concerns, the attendant didn't provide any official documentation, and he allowed me to leave the station. However, I am still worried about the potential consequences of this incident.


I don't want to get a criminal record or anything like that.

 

[kacper]

seeing as you talked about TFL, you were probably in a compulsory ticket area. i don't exactly know the rules on those but you were probably issued a penalty fares warning.

 

[Wizjager]

seeing as you talked about TFL, you were probably in a compulsory ticket area. i don't exactly know the rules on those but you were probably issued a penalty fares warning.

This was Thameslink staff. i was not on the underground. i was at elephant and castle overground

 

[Haywain]

Hi Everyone,

This morning, I found myself on the platform without a ticket. It was a rare situation for me as I have always been diligent about paying for my travel over the years. However, today and yesterday, I couldn't pay for my travel due to unforeseen circumstances, and I needed to get to work. The inspector took down my details, and I made sure to explain that I have a track record of always paying for my travel. I even showed him my bank account with previous transactions with TfL (Transport for London) as evidence. Despite my concerns, the attendant didn't provide any official documentation, and he allowed me to leave the station. However, I am still worried about the potential consequences of this incident.


I don't want to get a criminal record or anything like that.

Can you be a bit more specific about what happened? Which station were you at when your details were taken and was this at the start or end of your journey? What TfL payments are you referring to?

 

[Wizjager]

Hi Everyone,

This morning, I found myself on the platform without a ticket. It was a rare situation for me as I have always been diligent about paying for my travel over the years. However, today and yesterday, I couldn't pay for my travel due to unforeseen circumstances, and I needed to get to work. The inspector took down my details, and I made sure to explain that I have a track record of always paying for my travel. I even showed him my bank account with previous transactions with TfL (Transport for London) as evidence. Despite my concerns, the attendant didn't provide any official documentation, and he allowed me to leave the station. However, I am still worried about the potential consequences of this incident.


I don't want to get a criminal record or anything like that.

I did sign a paper which he asked me if i had a ticket

 

[kacper]

This was Thameslink staff. i was not on the underground. i was at elephant and castle overground

most stations in london are compulsory ticket areas

 

[Wizjager]

Can you be a bit more specific about what happened? Which station were you at when your details were taken and was this at the start or end of your journey? What TfL payments are you referring to?

I was on my way to Elephant and Castle from Mitcham when ticket inspectors started checking tickets at the station. Upon seeing them, I panicked and turned back to avoid the situation. However, they noticed and approached me to inquire about the matter. At first, I tried to cover up by saying I had lost my ticket, but the inspector didn't buy it and urged me not to lie. Eventually, I admitted that I didn't have a valid ticket for the journey.

the ticket inspector recorded the details of the incident in his book and asked me to sign it. Feeling worried, I inquired if I was going to face any serious trouble, to which he reassured me that if it was my first offense, I should be okay. However, I couldn't shake off the fear that he might just be saying that to keep me calm.


He asked if this was a regular occurrence for me and which stations I typically traveled to. I told him that I usually go to stations like Blackfriars or City Thameslink. When questioned about why I had chosen this particular route, I couldn't come up with a solid explanation, simply saying that I wasn't sure.

the ticket inspector recorded the details of the incident in his book and asked me to sign it. Feeling worried, I inquired if I was going to face any serious trouble, to which he reassured me that if it was my first offense, I should be okay. However, I couldn't shake off the fear that he might just be saying that to keep me calm.

To support my case, I have bank statements showing transactions of topping up my Oyster card and using my bank card for travel. Unfortunately, I lost my Oyster card twice within the past two weeks, which further complicated the situation. Despite the inspector's assurance, I remain anxious about the potential consequences and hope that the evidence of my regular payment history will help in resolving the matter.

 

[skyhigh]

seeing as you talked about TFL, you were probably in a compulsory ticket area. i don't exactly know the rules on those but you were probably issued a penalty fares warning.

most stations in london are compulsory ticket areas

Very few stations are actually Compulsory Ticket Areas. There is also no such thing as a "penalty fares warning", the options are effectively being warned that you could get a Penalty Fare but we'll let you off this time, being given a Penalty Fare or being reported for prosecution (also can be known is issuing a TIR in some places). If no documentation was issued then it can't have been a Penalty Fare.

This section is for advice, making unfounded guesses doesn't help the OP.

 

[Haywain]

I inquired if I was going to face any serious trouble, to which he reassured me that if it was my first offense, I should be okay. However, I couldn't shake off the fear that he might just be saying that to keep me calm.

He was probably trying to keep you calm but what he said is likely to prove to be true.

I don't want to get a criminal record or anything like that.

The best way of avoiding that is not to commit a criminal offence. Having done so, you will now have to work at persuading Thameslink not to prosecute you - the good news is that they do have a tendency to settle out of court so this should be achievable. You will now have to wait to receive a letter from them and then you can respond with apologies, admitting that you were in the wrong and that you won't repeat this. You will also need to ask if they will be willing to settle the matter by you paying the outstanding fares and the costs of their administration of the matter, which will probably cost you in the region of £100 to £150.

 

[Wizjager]

He was probably trying to keep you calm but what he said is likely to prove to be true.

The best way of avoiding that is not to commit a criminal offence. Having done so, you will now have to work at persuading Thameslink not to prosecute you - the good news is that they do have a tendency to settle out of court so this should be achievable. You will now have to wait to receive a letter from them and then you can respond with apologies, admitting that you were in the wrong and that you won't repeat this. You will also need to ask if they will be willing to settle the matter by you paying the outstanding fares and the costs of their administration of the matter, which will probably cost you in the region of £100 to £150.

Do you think i will need a lawyer or do i need to show them proof about payment from last year ?

 

[Haywain]

Do you think i will need a lawyer or do i need to show them proof about payment from last year ?

I do not think you will need a lawyer, and you don't need to show them anything that they don't ask for. You will get excellent advice on this forum. just post a redacted copy of the letter when you receive it and we'll guide you through what to write.

 

[jeremyjh]

The first thing to do is very much to wait for the letter. A solicitor can't really help you until there's paperwork, and you most likely will not need to involve one. If you've been honest above that you usually travel with a ticket, then it's very, very likely that they will simply send a letter offering you the option to settle for a stated amount or else to be prosecuted. The settlement amount in relation to simply being caught once will most likely cost less than meaningful consultation with a solicitor would and will avoid other consequences.

Wait for the letter. It could take some weeks to arrive. If you move within the next six months and haven't had the letter, make sure you arrange proper mail redirection with Royal Mail. It's hard to get it into perspective until the paperwork arrives, but try not to panic. Even were things to go as badly as they could, it's extremely, extremely unlikely this will ruin your life.

Oh, and the most important thing: make absolutely sure you don't engage in any further ticketless travel. You wouldn't want to risk being caught again and someone starting to think about patterns.

For a bit of context, I forgot to touch in for a tram journey recently when changing from another mode, had my card checked by revenue protection, stayed calm at the time but freaked out once I realised my error. I do appreciate how it feels. I was terrified I'd end up in an administrative nightmare with a large bill to pay.

 

[Wizjager]

The first thing to do is very much to wait for the letter. A solicitor can't really help you until there's paperwork, and you most likely will not need to involve one. If you've been honest above that you usually travel with a ticket, then it's very, very likely that they will simply send a letter offering you the option to settle for a stated amount or else to be prosecuted. The settlement amount in relation to simply being caught once will most likely cost less than meaningful consultation with a solicitor would and will avoid other consequences.

Wait for the letter. It could take some weeks to arrive. If you move within the next six months and haven't had the letter, make sure you arrange proper mail redirection with Royal Mail. It's hard to get it into perspective until the paperwork arrives, but try not to panic. Even were things to go as badly as they could, it's extremely, extremely unlikely this will ruin your life.

Oh, and the most important thing: make absolutely sure you don't engage in any further ticketless travel. You wouldn't want to risk being caught again and someone starting to think about patterns.

For a bit of context, I forgot to touch in for a tram journey recently when changing from another mode, had my card checked by revenue protection, stayed calm at the time but freaked out once I realised my error. I do appreciate how it feels. I was terrified I'd end up in an administrative nightmare with a large bill to pay.

I am feeling anxious about my career in the IT field, as I fear that this incident might hinder future opportunities. The person I interacted with was understanding and professional, but I'm worried that I didn't effectively communicate my situation. Unfortunately, i said I misplaced my ticket, and he wrote that down on the paper and i am scared they going say where was the ticket. I don't think he fully understood my explanation. when I signed the paper i saw it and i didnt say anything.

 

[Haywain]

I am feeling anxious about my career in the IT field, as I fear that this incident might hinder future opportunities.

Don't worry. At the worst case this is a low level crime but as you should be able to achieve an out of court settlement it will prove to be nothing more than an expensive and foolish error of judgement.

 

[AlterEgo]

Do you think i will need a lawyer or do i need to show them proof about payment from last year ?

There is not really much point in showing you have purchased tickets on some occasions before, because it’s certainly no proof you haven’t evaded the fare before. In any case TfL aren’t likely to care either way, and you are best off waiting for the letter. As others have said hopefully you can come to an out of court settlement.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Just to clear up the TfL charges - the contactless PAYG area within and around London is administered by TfL, even if travel is on a National Rail operator as is the case here. FOr the OP's sake it's fortunate they are being dealt with by Thameslink rather than TfL because Thameslink are more pragmatic when it comes to offering out of court settlements, TfL are much less forgiving.

The fact that you have paid for journeys previously doesn't really matter. All that matters is you didn't pay for your journey today, I know that sounds harsh but that's the legal position.

As for what will happen next you will be sent a letter from the the Prosecutions Department of Govia Thameslink Railway. The letter will typically take a few weeks to arrive but can be sooner although it shouldn't take longer than six months. The letter will say that they have received a report, are considering prosecuting you and asking for your version of events before deciding how to proceed. 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. GTR 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 they are 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 around £100 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 details redacted) along with your draft reply in this thread and forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

 

[Wizjager]

I still haven’t received my letter, I started to think if it lost into the post. Or he wrote the wrong address.

 

[JDFans]

I received mine a week ago.

 

[Wizjager]

…

 

[Wizjager]

Dear Sir / Madam

I am writing this letter to extend my sincere and heartfelt apology to Thameslink for my failure to possess a valid ticket during a recent journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide an explanation of the situation.

On the morning of August 2rd, I unintentionally failed to tap my contactless card before boarding the train at XXX station. Upon disembarking and heading towards the exit, a ticket inspector approached me and requested to see my ticket. I promptly admitted to not having a valid ticket and fully cooperated with the inspector.

I would like to express my deep regret for this incident. I have learned a valuable lesson from this experience and can assure you that such a lapse in responsibility will not occur in the future. Subsequent to this incident, I have been vigilant in ensuring that I properly tap in or possess a valid ticket before commencing any journey.

I understand that individuals traveling without a valid ticket can place a substantial burden on Thameslink in terms of time, finances, and resources. I take full responsibility for my actions and am committed to making amends. I am prepared to promptly settle the entire amount due for my travel, in addition to any costs incurred by Thameslink in handling this matter.

I kindly request that we find a resolution to this issue without the need for legal action. Your understanding and consideration in this matter are highly valued.

Thank you for your time and consideration.



This is my response to the letter

 

[30907]

"I am prepared to settle" reads as if you are making them an offer - which you are in no position to!

"I would be grateful if you would agree to settle" perhaps?

 

[Wizjager]

I got out of court settlement thank you for everyone who has help me

 

[Hadders]

Thanks for letting us know, good that you managed to get it sorted.