bb21
Emeritus Moderator
- Joined
- 4 Feb 2010
- Messages
- 24,151
It seems like an absurd fine above anything else. I'm very aware that it's clearly stated the ticket isn't valid if I can't present my railcard and blah blah blah, it just seems like an unreasonably high amount to fine, is all. It also would've been nice if I had been advised at the time that it would cost even more if I didn't pay there and then. She simply said that they would write to me and I would have to pay the fine later. Since all I had at the time was my bank card and using it would've meant exceeding my arranged overdraft, I didn't want that unnecessary expense.
If I understand you correctly, you were unable to pay the full single fare on the spot. I am not sure what they said at the time could have changed this.
You had a discounted ticket you were unable to show your entitlement to, therefore you were asked to pay for a valid travel ticket at the time. Nothing absurd I can see. It is the fact that you had no money to pay for a valid ticket at the time of travel that escalated the matter.
An unfortunate turn of events, probably, but one where you have no one to blame but yourself, unfortunately.
So as others mentioned, pay it, so at least you stop the matter escalating further, and then suck up to them afterwards and ask politely if they would consider waiving part of the admin fee as a goodwill gesture. If you don't ask, you don't get, but there is no guarantee.
Alternatively send them a cheque for the £30.50, and another one for £95. Plead with them and "beg" them, they may not cash the second cheque if you are lucky, but again there is no guarantee, especially if your attitude on the day (which I have no knowledge of) left much to be desired.