Thameslink Fare Evasion

[Worriedmummy31]

Hi all,

I'm hoping to get some advice please. I have been issued with a letter/ notification of intention to prosecute from Govia Thameslink. I failed to produce a valid ticket from Stevenage to Finsbury Park in April. I had a valid ticket from Huntingdon- Stevenage but not for the section I was stopped in. The notice says I was stopped at Finsbury Park which isn't strictly true but I'm really not looking to split hairs.

I am embarrassed, and very worried. I have done this before, paid for a shorter fare to Stevenage and actually travelled on to FP. About 10 times on a return journey. Completely stupid and completely my fault. There are personal reasons that we have gone through financial hardship with my partner losing his job but it's really no excuse, which I completely recognise.

I really would just like to avoid a criminal record if that is at all possible, as I am sure most would say. I accept total and full responsibility and I recognise that I would need to pay all fines and associated costs. Is this at all possible? I am also embarrassed to say that I have up a poor excuse on the spot which was a lie- mainly as I was completely embarrassed. I also asked to buy a ticket as I genuinely didn't know that wasn't an option anymore. In fact on cross country train only a week prior, I was encouraged by the ticket inspector to buy our family's tickets for the day on the train rather than through Trainline for better deals. All irrelevant, I have been stupid and now would just really appreciate advice on how to respond in my letter.

I only have a day or so to respond as I want to make sure the letter reaches them in good time and it is due on the 15th. I really, if at all possible would like to ask for an out of court settlement.

I have never been stopped/ fined for anything before so unsure of the process. I have also, prior to August last year and since getting stopped, paid the full fare for each and every journey I have ever taken.

I don't know what made me do it, desperate times I guess but I will certainly never do it again

Truly grateful for any advice to help me avoid court/ a criminal record.

Thank you for your time.

 

[notmyrealname]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

You'll get good advice from the pros here and may well not end up with a criminal record if you follow their advice. If you have a look around the forum, lots of people here have ended up settling out of court with rail companies.

Could you show us the letter you've received please? Be sure to redact your personal details and any reference numbers.

 

[John R]

If you've done this 20 times (ie twice each day), then you may be looking at paying 20 x the Anytime Single fare (33.10) for your whole journey, which would be around 660, together with an admin fee of around 150. That's your maximum exposure, although given a fair part of your journey was paid for, GTR may only ask for the element from Stevenage (18.20).

That's assuming GTR investigates your account which they are very likely to, and spot the other journeys.

If you respond to the letter received by apologising sincerely, promising not to do it again, and asking very nicely if you could be offered a settlement in lieu of prosecution then, judging by the cases we see on this forum, it is exceptionally unusual not to be offered a settlement. (Try not to use AI, as it never sounds sincere.) Please do post the letter you've received though, along with a draft response, and experts here will advise whether it is appropriate.

 

[Worriedmummy31]

Hi, thank you

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi all,

I'm hoping to get some advice please. I have been issued with a letter/ notification of intention to prosecute from Govia Thameslink. I failed to produce a valid ticket from Stevenage to Finsbury Park in April. I had a valid ticket from Huntingdon- Stevenage but not for the section I was stopped in. The notice says I was stopped at Finsbury Park which isn't strictly true but I'm really not looking to split hairs.

I am embarrassed, and very worried. I have done this before, paid for a shorter fare to Stevenage and actually travelled on to FP. About 10 times on a return journey. Completely stupid and completely my fault. There are personal reasons that we have gone through financial hardship with my partner losing his job but it's really no excuse, which I completely recognise.

I really would just like to avoid a criminal record if that is at all possible, as I am sure most would say. I accept total and full responsibility and I recognise that I would need to pay all fines and associated costs. Is this at all possible? I am also embarrassed to say that I have up a poor excuse on the spot which was a lie- mainly as I was completely embarrassed. I also asked to buy a ticket as I genuinely didn't know that wasn't an option anymore. In fact on cross country train only a week prior, I was encouraged by the ticket inspector to buy our family's tickets for the day on the train rather than through Trainline for better deals. All irrelevant, I have been stupid and now would just really appreciate advice on how to respond in my letter.

I only have a day or so to respond as I want to make sure the letter reaches them in good time and it is due on the 15th. I really, if at all possible would like to ask for an out of court settlement.

I have never been stopped/ fined for anything before so unsure of the process. I have also, prior to August last year and since getting stopped, paid the full fare for each and every journey I have ever taken.

I don't know what made me do it, desperate times I guess but I will certainly never do it again

Truly grateful for any advice to help me avoid court/ a criminal record.

Thank you for your time.

I note you are close to the deadline to respond so you need to get working on your reply ASAP

to help you I am copying a post from another forum member when giving advice on a different case - but you can use what applies (I note @John R had also posted useful guidance)

• When you have drafted up your reply post it here for people to check it for you before you send it
• When you send your reply send it tracked post so you can prove it got to them if you need to, and keep copies of everything
• Look at some other threads where you will find plenty of examples of the sorts of things to write
• Keep it brief and to the point, polite and formal
• If they are not at this stage asking you about previous instances of evasion you do not need to talk about that - but avoid saying anything that suggests this was a one off if it was not - as they are likely to find out if they check - but wait until they do check unless it is mentioned in the letter you have already received

Here's a framework you can use to write back to the railway company.

Paragraph 1: Acknowledge and Address the Incident

• Start by thanking them for their letter and clearly stating the ref number on any paperwork.
• Immediately identify the specific incident they're referring to, including the date of travel and the stations involved – also use any reference number they have issued on any paperwork you have
• State directly that you are writing in response to this incident.

Paragraph 2: Accept Responsibility for the Specific Incident

• Clearly and unequivocally state that you fully accept responsibility for not having a valid ticket for your entire journey on that specific day.

Paragraph 3: Express Remorse and Impact

• State that you deeply regret your actions on this occasion.
• Make it clear you have learned a lesson and will not be doing this again

Paragraph 4: Propose a Settlement

• Clearly state that you hope to resolve this matter through an out-of-court settlement. This signals your intention to avoid court proceedings.
• Confirm your willingness to pay any outstanding fare and to cover their administration costs.

 

[Worriedmummy31]

Hi, thank you, I have attached the letter below

Hi thank you. I've attached the letter below, I hope the quality is ok.

I'm sincerely grateful for the help.

Hi, welcome to the forum.

You'll get good advice from the pros here and may well not end up with a criminal record if you follow their advice. If you have a look around the forum, lots of people here have ended up settling out of court with rail companies.

Could you show us the letter you've received please? Be sure to redact your personal details and any reference numbers.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Aug 2025 ==

I note you are close to the deadline to respond so you need to get working on your reply ASAP

to help you I am copying a post from another forum member when giving advice on a different case - but you can use what applies (I note @John R had also posted useful guidance)

• When you have drafted up your reply post it here for people to check it for you before you send it
• When you send your reply send it tracked post so you can prove it got to them if you need to, and keep copies of everything
• Look at some other threads where you will find plenty of examples of the sorts of things to write
• Keep it brief and to the point, polite and formal
• If they are not at this stage asking you about previous instances of evasion you do not need to talk about that - but avoid saying anything that suggests this was a one off if it was not - as they are likely to find out if they check - but wait until they do check unless it is mentioned in the letter you have already received

Here's a framework you can use to write back to the railway company.

Paragraph 1: Acknowledge and Address the Incident

• Start by thanking them for their letter and clearly stating the ref number on any paperwork.
• Immediately identify the specific incident they're referring to, including the date of travel and the stations involved – also use any reference number they have issued on any paperwork you have
• State directly that you are writing in response to this incident.

Paragraph 2: Accept Responsibility for the Specific Incident

• Clearly and unequivocally state that you fully accept responsibility for not having a valid ticket for your entire journey on that specific day.

Paragraph 3: Express Remorse and Impact

• State that you deeply regret your actions on this occasion.
• Make it clear you have learned a lesson and will not be doing this again

Paragraph 4: Propose a Settlement

• Clearly state that you hope to resolve this matter through an out-of-court settlement. This signals your intention to avoid court proceedings.
• Confirm your willingness to pay any outstanding fare and to cover their administration costs.

Hi, thank you, this is super helpful. Do I need to acknowledge the other fares at this stage or just the single instance? I'd like to be truthful but not sure if it is appropriate to do so at this stage?

 

[John R]

The first page of their letter is missing, but the general advice is that if they don't mention other incidents, then you don't need to either. But you must not lie by suggesting that it was the first time you have done it, as they are likely to find out, and that will blow any credibility in your sincerity and honesty.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi thank you. I've attached the letter below, I hope the quality is ok.

I'm sincerely grateful for the help.


== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Aug 2025 ==


Hi, thank you, this is super helpful. Do I need to acknowledge the other fares at this stage or just the single instance? I'd like to be truthful but not sure if it is appropriate to do so at this stage?

Ref your question see my last bullet point but post #7 puts it very well.

Key issue is does the first page of the letter ask anything about other instances? If it does then you would need to address that.

 

[Worriedmummy31]

The first page of their letter is missing, but the general advice is that if they don't mention other incidents, then you don't need to either. But you must not lie by suggesting that it was the first time you have done it, as they are likely to find out, and that will blow any credibility in your sincerity and honesty.

Thank you, sorry not sure why it didn't load I'll add again

Ref your question see my last bullet point but post #7 puts it very well.

Key issue is does the first page of the letter ask anything about other instances? If it does then you would need to address that.

No it doesn't. Thank you

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you, sorry not sure why it didn't load I'll add again

No it doesn't. Thank you

Ok. Get drafting a reply so you have time for it to be checked here if that will help.

 

[Worriedmummy31]

Good morning and thank you so much to those who took the time to advise yesterday. Please may I ask for some feedback on my letter below? I am prone to waffle so would appreciate the counsel.

Dear Sir/ Madam

Thank you for your letter, dated 1st August 2025, ref number XXXX. I write in response to this letter and to the incident on xxxx where I was approached on the train between Stevenage and Finsbury Park station by a member of the Revenue Protection Team and failed to produce a valid ticket when asked. I was travelling from Huntingdon. I had paid for my fare from Huntingdon to Stevenage but I did not have a valid ticket for the journey between Stevenage and Finsbury Park.

I take full and total responsibility for my actions and for travelling without a valid ticket.

I sincerely regret my actions in travelling without a valid ticket. Whilst personally experiencing a challenging time financially, I recognise that this in no way excuses my actions. I now fully understand the impact and repercussions of not paying the correct fare to both rail company and fellow passengers and I am truly sorry. I have two young dependents and I am both embarrassed and ashamed that I have not been a good role model for them. I have learned a very valuable lesson here and I would like to assure you that this will never happen again.

I would be extremely grateful if you would consider resolving this matter through an out of court settlement, as a criminal conviction would have severe ramifications for my job security and in turn for my young family. I am fully willing to pay the outstanding fare and and all administration fees and will do so promptly.

Thank you for your time

End

TIA all for your help and advice

 

[John R]

That looks fine to me. Sincere, some thought has gone into it, and ticks all the boxes.

 

[Worriedmummy31]

That looks fine to me. Sincere, some thought has gone into it, and ticks all the boxes.

Thank you John for your time and help with this. Am really grateful.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Aug 2025 ==

That looks fine to me. Sincere, some thought has gone into it, and ticks all the boxes.

Sorry, if I might ask a couple of final (hopefully) questions?

1. Is it best to type or hand write the letter?

2. They ask if you have a valid ticket to send it via the link in the letter. Does this include the valid ticket I had for part of the journey

Thank you

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you John for your time and help with this. Am really grateful.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Aug 2025 ==


Sorry, if I might ask a couple of final (hopefully) questions?

Yes, draft look OK to me too

1. Is it best to type or hand write the letter?

Generally suggested to type it if you can, but make sure their papers that you need to send back state 'please see enclosed reply', then make sure your reply has all your name and address and ref details on it in case anything gets separated their end once it is received.

Send it tracked postage from a post office, keep copies of every page you send back

2. They ask if you have a valid ticket to send it via the link in the letter. Does this include the valid ticket I had for part of the journey

I suppose it would do no harm to do so. That request must be aimed at people who in fact did have a full valid ticket i guess as it's a standard template form them really

Thank you

 

[John R]

Thank you John for your time and help with this. Am really grateful.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Aug 2025 ==


Sorry, if I might ask a couple of final (hopefully) questions?

1. Is it best to type or hand write the letter?

2. They ask if you have a valid ticket to send it via the link in the letter. Does this include the valid ticket I had for part of the journey

Thank you

You're very welcome.

I'd concur with @WesternLancer's view that it is much better to type, with the precautions stated (we have heard of replies going missing).

I would definitely include the ticket you have. It can do no harm, but might reduce the amount they ask from you. However, I wonder if it is better included in the letter (or a copy of it), as sending it in the link provided might set off a reply to the effect "well that wasn't valid for your whole journey" before they even get your letter.

If you do that, then where you refer to having paid for that part of the journey, you should add something along the lines of "copy below" or similar.

 

[WesternLancer]

You're very welcome.

I'd concur with @WesternLancer's view that it is much better to type, with the precautions stated (we have heard of replies going missing).

I would definitely include the ticket you have. It can do no harm, but might reduce the amount they ask from you. However, I wonder if it is better included in the letter (or a copy of it), as sending it in the link provided might set off a reply to the effect "well that wasn't valid for your whole journey" before they even get your letter.

If you do that, then where you refer to having paid for that part of the journey, you should add something along the lines of "copy below" or similar.

Yes, good points here.

 

[Worriedmummy31]

Thank you so much both. Letter was sent earlier today via tracked first class mail. I will update when I have a response.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you so much both. Letter was sent earlier today via tracked first class mail. I will update when I have a response.

Thanks. Good luck. Might take a few weeks before you hear back but sometimes it’s more prompt.

 

[Worriedmummy31]

Hi both. I just wanted to update you. I cannot believe it, but I received a letter today from Thameslink to offer an out of court settlement of £71.60. I am so extremely grateful for your help and guidance, without which I may have been facing much more serious consequences. Lessons fully learned. Thank you both so much.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi both. I just wanted to update you. I cannot believe it, but I received a letter today from Thameslink to offer an out of court settlement of £71.60. I am so extremely grateful for your help and guidance, without which I may have been facing much more serious consequences. Lessons fully learned. Thank you both so much.

Good news and quick too! That is a good result price wise IMHO.

Keep copies of everything and proof of payment / receipt or screen shot of payment acceptance or whatever is possible - keep all that long terms - at least a year