Jascortool
Member
Hi Everyone,
I need your advice on something that is making my blood boil!! We all know how awful the train services are, particularly in and out of London into Greater London and Home Counties. I am a big believer in fighting corporations who only care about ripping off their own customers, which most of these train companies do as standard, day in and day out.
On the 21st November, I boarded a 7:08 train to London. The train was full and I had a suitcase with me, so I sat in first class along with several others and we all assumed the train was declassified as it had been every day that week. I shouldn’t have done it knowing how much they go out of their ways to catch you out in first class, more than to try to catch you without a ticket apparently!
A very aggressive train inspector came through JUST first class moments after we sat down and issued everyone with penalty fees. It annoyed me how she spoke to everyone and how she behaved, I couldn’t believe that was okay. I also didn’t understand why we weren’t allowed to just pay for an upgrade or move. I personally would have paid the upgrade. I didn’t think the train would be full, otherwise I would have just bought a first class ticket as I wanted a seat.
She threatened me as she wrote me a caution, saying that I would regret this, I’m making a huge mistake, I’ll be fined £100, then later saying £500.
I specifically asked about my payment options and she said I had to pay now or take the caution. It is stated on their own rules and regulations that I should be allowed 21 days to pay.
I received a letter giving me the “chance to explain my side” or something along those lines. Nothing was written down officially, she wrote her notes on a plain notepad and she didn’t give me any details or confirmation.
It all looked very questionable.
I wrote a 3 page response explaining how I felt her behaviour was out of line and aggressive, and that the train was full and there was no where to sit, I said I took the earlier train in order to get a seat and then assumed it was declassified.
They responded having clearly not read my letter. It was a generic response and they simply said they would charge me £154.70 to settle. £150 for their costs, and £4.70 for my fare! I mean, where are they getting the figure of £150 for them sending me two generic letters! It’s completely and utterly unfair and I don’t understand how they can get away with penalising their paying customers a standard £20 fine whether they have a ticket or not! They literally don’t care about anything but money and it’s disgusting.
Please can you all share your thoughts? This seems so ridiculous - like a pay up or shut up approach! You have no right to protest against their fines or explain yourself.
I need your advice on something that is making my blood boil!! We all know how awful the train services are, particularly in and out of London into Greater London and Home Counties. I am a big believer in fighting corporations who only care about ripping off their own customers, which most of these train companies do as standard, day in and day out.
On the 21st November, I boarded a 7:08 train to London. The train was full and I had a suitcase with me, so I sat in first class along with several others and we all assumed the train was declassified as it had been every day that week. I shouldn’t have done it knowing how much they go out of their ways to catch you out in first class, more than to try to catch you without a ticket apparently!
A very aggressive train inspector came through JUST first class moments after we sat down and issued everyone with penalty fees. It annoyed me how she spoke to everyone and how she behaved, I couldn’t believe that was okay. I also didn’t understand why we weren’t allowed to just pay for an upgrade or move. I personally would have paid the upgrade. I didn’t think the train would be full, otherwise I would have just bought a first class ticket as I wanted a seat.
She threatened me as she wrote me a caution, saying that I would regret this, I’m making a huge mistake, I’ll be fined £100, then later saying £500.
I specifically asked about my payment options and she said I had to pay now or take the caution. It is stated on their own rules and regulations that I should be allowed 21 days to pay.
I received a letter giving me the “chance to explain my side” or something along those lines. Nothing was written down officially, she wrote her notes on a plain notepad and she didn’t give me any details or confirmation.
It all looked very questionable.
I wrote a 3 page response explaining how I felt her behaviour was out of line and aggressive, and that the train was full and there was no where to sit, I said I took the earlier train in order to get a seat and then assumed it was declassified.
They responded having clearly not read my letter. It was a generic response and they simply said they would charge me £154.70 to settle. £150 for their costs, and £4.70 for my fare! I mean, where are they getting the figure of £150 for them sending me two generic letters! It’s completely and utterly unfair and I don’t understand how they can get away with penalising their paying customers a standard £20 fine whether they have a ticket or not! They literally don’t care about anything but money and it’s disgusting.
Please can you all share your thoughts? This seems so ridiculous - like a pay up or shut up approach! You have no right to protest against their fines or explain yourself.