Hello all,
I am a regular rail user as I commute everyday and I buy a monthly Metro RailCard for zones 1to5+6.
On Monday 20th July, I realised my pass had expired on the 17th and was due for renewal. I went to the booking office at Shipley where there was a queue and I was running late so I hopped on the train, thinking that I would renew my monthly pass at Leeds, before continuing my journey further. I honestly didn't think this would be an issue.
As I arrived, I made my way to the ticket booth and asked for a renewal but I was told that is not possible and to speak to another man standing near by.
This gentleman asked me where I boarded the train and said he'll print me a ticket for which he won't charge me and handed me a form to fill in with my details. I asked what's happening and what's it about and he said they will contact me. At this point I was confused with the situation and his explanation so I refused and re-joined the queue in an attempt to buy a ticket.
Another gentleman approached me and said I have traveled without a ticket from a manned station and he will have to take my details. I tried to explain myself that I wasn't trying to evade the fare and that I buy a pass every month, and just wanted to renew it but he didn't believe me.
He took my details (in his notebook) and it seemed to me that he was reluctant to offer an explanation of what will happen further. He said I will receive a letter, but when I asked him when and what it will be about he said he doesn't know.
I have now received a standard letter from Debt Recovery and Prosecutions Unit which asks me to reply with my version of events.
I had already accepted I made a mistake the first time and I understand it would have been possible to be charged a penalty fare that can be paid on the spot but this option wasn't offered.
I would very much like this matter to be settled out of court. Do you think that would be the case? Any advice on how to respond to the letter?
Thanks for your help.
I am a regular rail user as I commute everyday and I buy a monthly Metro RailCard for zones 1to5+6.
On Monday 20th July, I realised my pass had expired on the 17th and was due for renewal. I went to the booking office at Shipley where there was a queue and I was running late so I hopped on the train, thinking that I would renew my monthly pass at Leeds, before continuing my journey further. I honestly didn't think this would be an issue.
As I arrived, I made my way to the ticket booth and asked for a renewal but I was told that is not possible and to speak to another man standing near by.
This gentleman asked me where I boarded the train and said he'll print me a ticket for which he won't charge me and handed me a form to fill in with my details. I asked what's happening and what's it about and he said they will contact me. At this point I was confused with the situation and his explanation so I refused and re-joined the queue in an attempt to buy a ticket.
Another gentleman approached me and said I have traveled without a ticket from a manned station and he will have to take my details. I tried to explain myself that I wasn't trying to evade the fare and that I buy a pass every month, and just wanted to renew it but he didn't believe me.
He took my details (in his notebook) and it seemed to me that he was reluctant to offer an explanation of what will happen further. He said I will receive a letter, but when I asked him when and what it will be about he said he doesn't know.
I have now received a standard letter from Debt Recovery and Prosecutions Unit which asks me to reply with my version of events.
I had already accepted I made a mistake the first time and I understand it would have been possible to be charged a penalty fare that can be paid on the spot but this option wasn't offered.
I would very much like this matter to be settled out of court. Do you think that would be the case? Any advice on how to respond to the letter?
Thanks for your help.