sjrq
Member
Hello everybody, today I found myself recieving the dreadful email I have lost so much sleep over, and I hope anyone could help me please formulate a good response. I am so ashamed of myself I wish to bury myself in a hole, but I know regretting and crying over it isn't going to solve anything. I have been caught fare evading on my way to work and interrogated by a WMR staff member. In my stupid childish mind, I was so desperate to save a couple of pounds until I am a bit more financially stable and bought tickets for a station that was closer than my actual one. I feel so embarrassed and ashamed, I stopped taking the train altogether and use buses now even if it takes way longer.
Today I got the email which mentions me not being able to show a valid ticket, and being under investigation for fraud on fare evasion. I would really appreciate any feedback I can get and if I missed anything. Here's what the letter says:
"We have recently been handed a file relating to an incident on 31st January 2025 when staff were carrying out their revenue duties, you were asked to show your ticket, the ticket you offered had been purchased after departure contravening the conditions of carriage.
You were interviewed under caution.
Further investigations into this matter have been carried out, including a review of the ticket records. It would appear, at this stage, that this may be a case of fraud. West Midlands Trains take travel fraud extremely seriously and is committed to prosecuting all cases of fare evasion to the full extent of the law. Travelling on the railway with the intent to avoid paying the full fare is an offence under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889. Such an offence carries a maximum fine of £1,000 and/or three months’ imprisonment and, in either case, a criminal record. It must also be considered whether this matter amounts to a much more serious offence under the Fraud Act 2006.
At this stage we would be grateful if you would provide any evidence to support the claim that none of the above legislation has been contravened to prevent further action being contemplated.
We look forward to hearing from you."
This is my draft:
"Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this letter to offer my sincere apologies regarding not being able to present a valid ticket when questioned by the WMR staff on 31/01/2025. I deeply regret fare evading and am aware of how much time and money it costs the railway company in dealing with such situations, and even more so the inconvenience I have have caused for everybody involved. I fully understand the severity of my actions and I truly am very ashamed to be part of the problem, and understand how unfair it is to the rest of the paying travellers, and how it affected the company's revenue that I have not paid fairly for the services provided.
I also completely understand that it is my responsibility to have a valid ticket for my entire journey, and the serious consequences of not having one. I am committed to make things right and will purchasean adequate Railcard with a valid ticket for all my future travels when I travel via train. I am humbly asking if there is a chance I can make it right and settle this matter amicably, I would like to offer payment for any outstanding costs if it is possible.
I am again sincerely apologetic for all the inconvenience I have caused and eager to resolve this matter as smooth as possible.
Yours Faithfully,
X"
I have mentioned buying a Railcard in the future but as of right now I am too embarrassed to catch the train, but will purchase one in the future. Should I still mention it in my letter? I am afraid it sounds insincere because I did not buy one yet. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thread.
Today I got the email which mentions me not being able to show a valid ticket, and being under investigation for fraud on fare evasion. I would really appreciate any feedback I can get and if I missed anything. Here's what the letter says:
"We have recently been handed a file relating to an incident on 31st January 2025 when staff were carrying out their revenue duties, you were asked to show your ticket, the ticket you offered had been purchased after departure contravening the conditions of carriage.
You were interviewed under caution.
Further investigations into this matter have been carried out, including a review of the ticket records. It would appear, at this stage, that this may be a case of fraud. West Midlands Trains take travel fraud extremely seriously and is committed to prosecuting all cases of fare evasion to the full extent of the law. Travelling on the railway with the intent to avoid paying the full fare is an offence under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889. Such an offence carries a maximum fine of £1,000 and/or three months’ imprisonment and, in either case, a criminal record. It must also be considered whether this matter amounts to a much more serious offence under the Fraud Act 2006.
At this stage we would be grateful if you would provide any evidence to support the claim that none of the above legislation has been contravened to prevent further action being contemplated.
We look forward to hearing from you."
This is my draft:
"Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this letter to offer my sincere apologies regarding not being able to present a valid ticket when questioned by the WMR staff on 31/01/2025. I deeply regret fare evading and am aware of how much time and money it costs the railway company in dealing with such situations, and even more so the inconvenience I have have caused for everybody involved. I fully understand the severity of my actions and I truly am very ashamed to be part of the problem, and understand how unfair it is to the rest of the paying travellers, and how it affected the company's revenue that I have not paid fairly for the services provided.
I also completely understand that it is my responsibility to have a valid ticket for my entire journey, and the serious consequences of not having one. I am committed to make things right and will purchase
I am again sincerely apologetic for all the inconvenience I have caused and eager to resolve this matter as smooth as possible.
Yours Faithfully,
X"
I have mentioned buying a Railcard in the future but as of right now I am too embarrassed to catch the train, but will purchase one in the future. Should I still mention it in my letter? I am afraid it sounds insincere because I did not buy one yet. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thread.
Last edited:
