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Til Mitigation (Child ticket)

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Nipa

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25 Apr 2021
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49
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Hi guys,
Here’s my letter that I’m about to send to get an out of court settlement. Any advice would be appreciated. Any questions about my incident then just ask but all details are in the letter.


Dear Chiltern Railways,



Reference TIL: [REDACTED]



Thank you for your letter on 1st September 2021 and presenting me with the opportunity to respond.



On 25th April 2021, I travelled to London Marylebone from Stoke Mandeville. I fully and wholeheartedly apologise for travelling with a child ticket when I did not qualify for one and for only paying a fare from Harrow-On-The-Hill to London Marylebone. I understand that I have failed to pay the appropriate fare for this journey and that there are no excuses or defence to the aforementioned allegations. I made a poor and careless judgement to pay for a cheaper fare which I understand is a breach of your railway regulations and against the law.



The consequences of fare evasion are twofold to both myself and to your railway company. A criminal record would be detrimental to a second year university student like myself. And, lost revenue to Chiltern Railways could be used to maintain and improve the train services you provide. And so, I have learnt a valuable lesson of honesty and integrity which I will put to use in the future.



Since 25th April 2021, I have learnt my lesson and am entirely aware of the severity and seriousness of my actions. I understand that it is always my responsibility to pay the correct fare and have a valid ticket to hand before boarding the train. Thus, I would like to reassure you that this will not happen again in the future.



I realise that my actions have cost Chiltern Railways financially and would like to settle the matter administratively and out of court if that would be possible. Please allow me to resolve this situation and avoid any further escalation by way of payment of the fare to London Marylebone, any additional administrative expenses and penalties you deem necessary.
 
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Fawkes Cat

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Thank you for your letter on 1st September 2021 and presenting me with the opportunity to respond.



On nn April 2021, I travelled to London Marylebone from xxx. I fully and wholeheartedly apologise for travelling with a child ticket when I did not qualify for one and for only paying a fare from yyy to London Marylebone. I understand that I have failed to pay the appropriate fare for this journey and that there are no excuses or defence to the aforementioned allegations. I made a poor and careless judgement to pay for a cheaper fare which I now understand is a breach of your railway regulations and against the law.



The consequences of fare evasion are twofold to both myself and to your railway company. A criminal record would be detrimental to a second year university student like myself. And, lost revenue to Chiltern Railways could be used to maintain and improve the train services you provide. And so, I have learnt a valuable lesson of honesty and integrity which I will put to use in the future.



Since nn April 2021, I have learnt my lesson and am entirely aware of the severity and seriousness of my actions. I understand that it is always my responsibility to pay the correct fare and have a valid ticket to hand before boarding the train. Thus, I would like to reassure you that this will not happen again in the future.



I realise that my actions have cost Chiltern Railways financially and would like to settle the matter administratively and out of court if that would be possible. Please allow me to resolve this situation and avoid any further escalation by way of payment of the fare to London Marylebone, any additional administrative expenses and penalties you deem necessary.

In general, I think that's fine. I've struck through a couple of points that I think you'd do better to miss out:

- the railway regulations may be Chiltern Railways' regulations - but the requirement is on you as a passenger to obey them. The way I read your wording 'your railway regulations' is that you feel that this is an imposition that the railway has put on you. If whoever from Chiltern or TIL reads what you have written in the same way that I have, then you potentially put them in a bad mood (which is not what you want). I suggest that you skip the word and so skip the issue as well. (n.b. I also suggest that you add 'now' where I have put it to show that you have learnt from your mistake)
- if a criminal record is going to be detrimental to you, then that's something you should have thought about before committing the crime. Why should the railway care that you have put yourself in a difficult position? And since they won't care, there doesn't seem to be any point in mentioning it.

Also, check who you are writing to: given that the reference starts 'TIL' I suspect that it's actually Transport Investigations Limited who are dealing with this for Chiltern. And while I don't think it is at all likely that your request for an out of court settlement would be refused because whoever reads the letter thinks you should have said 'Dear Transport Investigations Limited' rather than 'Dear Chiltern Railways' (or the other way round) there's no point in being provocative when you don't have to: remember, the railway (or TIL) have something you want (the chance to settle this out of court) so it's important to be nice to them - and being nice includes being respectful.

I've also concealed the stations involved and the date of the incident: you might want to do that in the draft that you're sharing with us (although not in the letter that you send!) to protect your privacy.
 

Haywain

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3 Feb 2013
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14,869
Hi guys,
Here’s my letter that I’m about to send to get an out of court settlement. Any advice would be appreciated. Any questions about my incident then just ask but all details are in the letter.


Dear Chiltern Railways,



Reference TIL: [REDACTED]



Thank you for your letter on 1st September 2021 and presenting me with the opportunity to respond.



On 25th April 2021, I travelled to London Marylebone from Stoke Mandeville. I fully and wholeheartedly apologise for travelling with a child ticket when I did not qualify for one and for only paying a fare from Harrow-On-The-Hill to London Marylebone. I understand that I have failed to pay the appropriate fare for this journey and that there are no excuses or defence to the aforementioned allegations. I made a poor and careless judgement to pay for a cheaper fare which I understand is a breach of your railway regulations and against the law.



The consequences of fare evasion are twofold to both myself and to your railway company. A criminal record would be detrimental to a second year university student like myself. And, lost revenue to Chiltern Railways could be used to maintain and improve the train services you provide. And so, I have learnt a valuable lesson of honesty and integrity which I will put to use in the future.



Since 25th April 2021, I have learnt my lesson and am entirely aware of the severity and seriousness of my actions. I understand that it is always my responsibility to pay the correct fare and have a valid ticket to hand before boarding the train. Thus, I would like to reassure you that this will not happen again in the future.



I realise that my actions have cost Chiltern Railways financially and would like to settle the matter administratively and out of court if that would be possible. Please allow me to resolve this situation and avoid any further escalation by way of payment of the fare to London Marylebone, any additional administrative expenses and penalties you deem necessary.
You can comfortably leave out your third paragraph (“The consequences…”) which really adds nothing that TIL or Chiltern are interested in.
 

Nipa

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Ok thanks both I’ll make those changes. I think I’ll stick with dear Chiltern since Chiltern are the one I’m apologising too and the one I’ve wronged. From my understanding, TIL forwards my communications to Chiltern and they ultimately decide how to proceed so I think I’ll stick with dear Chiltern
 

Haywain

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Ok thanks both I’ll make those changes. I think I’ll stick with dear Chiltern since Chiltern are the one I’m apologising too and the one I’ve wronged. From my understanding, TIL forwards my communications to Chiltern and they ultimately decide how to proceed so I think I’ll stick with dear Chiltern
Dear Sir/Madam covers all possibilities.
 

Nipa

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This is the second letter I’m sending though requesting out of court settlement and in my previous one I wrote dear Chiltern, shouldn’t I keep it consistent?
 

Fawkes Cat

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2,943
This is the second letter I’m sending though requesting out of court settlement and in my previous one I wrote dear Chiltern, shouldn’t I keep it consistent?
I know I brought the issue up, but it's not a big matter: go with what you feel most comfortable with.
 

Mojo

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Dear Sir/Madam covers all possibilities.
It is generally considered bad practice to write this from an equalities front. Something like “To whom this may concern,” or the company name would be better.
 

Nipa

Member
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Location
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Is it worth directly sending an email of apology to Chiltern Railways as well? I’ve seen that has had some success on this forum
 

bb21

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24,151
If you are dealing with TIL then an email directly to Chiltern will likely be met with a "WTF?"
 

bb21

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I don't think it will hurt, but just don't get your hopes up high on the back of this email.
 

Nipa

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Location
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Im moving to my uni accom on Saturday. If I phone up TIL to send me future letters at that address, will they do this?
 

island

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Im moving to my uni accom on Saturday. If I phone up TIL to send me future letters at that address, will they do this?
I would very strongly advise putting redirection in place with Royal Mail, or, if you will still have family etc. at the address you're moving away from, making them aware that you could be receiving urgent post at home.
 

Nipa

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Location
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Ok thanks, yes I have family who will receive the letter so either ways I’ll receive it at my uni flat or my family can let me know
 

Wolfie

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Joined
17 Aug 2010
Messages
6,049
Hi guys,
Here’s my letter that I’m about to send to get an out of court settlement. Any advice would be appreciated. Any questions about my incident then just ask but all details are in the letter.


Dear Chiltern Railways,



Reference TIL: [REDACTED]



Thank you for your letter on 1st September 2021 and presenting me with the opportunity to respond.



On 25th April 2021, I travelled to London Marylebone from Stoke Mandeville. I fully and wholeheartedly apologise for travelling with a child ticket when I did not qualify for one and for only paying a fare from Harrow-On-The-Hill to London Marylebone. I understand that I have failed to pay the appropriate fare for this journey and that there are no excuses or defence to the aforementioned allegations. I made a poor and careless judgement to pay for a cheaper fare which I understand is a breach of your railway regulations and against the law.



The consequences of fare evasion are twofold to both myself and to your railway company. A criminal record would be detrimental to a second year university student like myself. And, lost revenue to Chiltern Railways could be used to maintain and improve the train services you provide. And so, I have learnt a valuable lesson of honesty and integrity which I will put to use in the future.



Since 25th April 2021, I have learnt my lesson and am entirely aware of the severity and seriousness of my actions. I understand that it is always my responsibility to pay the correct fare and have a valid ticket to hand before boarding the train. Thus, I would like to reassure you that this will not happen again in the future.



I realise that my actions have cost Chiltern Railways financially and would like to settle the matter administratively and out of court if that would be possible. Please allow me to resolve this situation and avoid any further escalation by way of payment of the fare to London Marylebone, any additional administrative expenses and penalties you deem necessary.
Probably too late now but the level of detail in your draft makes who you are obvious to anyone from the TOC involved in the case.
 

Nipa

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Location
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Probably too late now but the level of detail in your draft makes who you are obvious to anyone from the TOC involved in the case.
Is that really a bad thing? It’ll only show them that I genuinely am sorry and remorseful and am very worried about the outcome by seeking help on this forum
 

Wolfie

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6,049
Is that really a bad thing? It’ll only show them that I genuinely am sorry and remorseful and am very worried about the outcome by seeking help on this forum
If you aren't worried it's not a big deal. There have been other cases though where stuff said on here was damning so if a positive link could be made ...
 

Nipa

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Nah not really too worried, haven’t bad mouthed Chiltern or TIL or anything in any posts cos like why would I? I know I’m 200% in the wrong :/
 

Nipa

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Location
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Hi guys I just received a letter from TIL saying the application for the issue of a summons may now be made. I have written twice now asking to resolve the matter out of court but it seems like they have disregarded this. Is there anything I could do at this point or do I just sit on my hands and await my doom :( I don’t even know what to write even if I reply with a third letter, I have admitted to everything, said I was sorry etc etc.
 

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AlterEgo

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They haven't actually summonsed you yet.

You still have an opportunity to write back again (not everyone is successful on the first try, some are successful on the second).

I'd be tempted to write back and say something along the lines of:

[CASE REF]

Dear [NAME],

Thank you for your letter of 28 September 2021 and for letting me know the current position of my case.

I understand how seriously the railway takes fare evasion, and am sure that any decision to summons a passenger who has done something wrong can never be taken lightly. I recognise and respect TIL's prerogative to authorise court action in my case and, from my previous letter of [DATE] you will know I understand it's in everyone's interest to punish people who have evaded the fare, to deter future offending and recover costs.

As I am currently a student, finances are tight, and you will understand that I am very keen to avoid any potential court action which will have consequences for me beyond merely paying the fare due. Nobody wants the weight of a court case hanging over them and I can assure you that through this experience I have learned a serious lesson in honesty and integrity.

In light of my previous letter, I ask again that you consider settling the matter before committing to the shared expense and hassle of using the court system. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare due and any administration costs you deem have arisen in handling my case.

I hope you will see fit to exercise your discretion in discontinuing the application for a summons in my case, and apologise again for the costs and hassle incurred as a result of my wrongdoing.

Regards

[SIGN OFF]




It's not perfect, others will be able to tidy that up and adjust for tone but it's sort of what I'd aim for.
 

Nipa

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Thanks @AlterEgo, should I also write another email/letter to the TOC since I’ve seen that have some success on this forum when this third letter has been received

Does anyone have any more suggestions?
 
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WesternLancer

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Thanks @AlterEgo, should I also write another email/letter to the TOC since I’ve seen that have some success on this forum when this third letter has been received

Does anyone have any more suggestions?
can't see any reason not to do that. I'd tend to use alterego's excellent draft - maybe send a copy of that to the TOC, with a short covering note saying 'please find a copy of the letter I have sent to... and I hope you may be able to intervene to ask them if I can come to a settlement in this matter as per the enclosed request' or some such similar wording. For the price of a stamp I can't see it would do any harm.
Good luck with it.
 

Nipa

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Who would I send it to? I can’t find an email or address for chiltern anywhere
 

WesternLancer

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Who would I send it to? I can’t find an email or address for chiltern anywhere

CONTACT DETAILS​

Chiltern Railways
Customer Services (perhaps add in brackets 'Revenue Protection Manager')
Banbury ICC
Merton Street
Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX16 4RN

Phone: 03456 005 165
Fax: 01926 729 914

From bottom of this page
 

Nipa

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Location
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Thanks

Hi guys I need some help quick, I got this email an hour ago from the company prosecutor saying that they still see no reason to proceed and that I have done this before etc. I’ve literally admitted to all of this in all my letters. I’m getting very worried now and I would really like some assistance.
 

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WesternLancer

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Thanks

Hi guys I need some help quick, I got this email an hour ago from the company prosecutor saying that they still see no reason to proceed and that I have done this before etc. I’ve literally admitted to all of this in all my letters. I’m getting very worried now and I would really like some assistance.
OK - just to save me looking back through all the thread:

a) have you sent your 3rd request to them to settle out of court
b) if you have done this before that is, I think, in contrast to what you said in original posts - that this was 1st offence. If they are correct then it will not have helped your case. If you have not done it before you have an excuse to write back to them and state that you have not (but probably best to check what they might have found on your Trainline account as they are saying there are 'digital fingerprints' on your purchase history.

c) It may be that you wish to seek legal advice now. In which case you mentioned University - it may be an idea to contact your student union welfare advice office ASAP and see if they have a 'link up' arrangement with a local solicitors firm (many do) who may take on your case and provide initial help at no charge or reduced rates for student union members (even for non university related legal help matters). If you have not been in touch with them today I would ask about that this afternoon.
 

Nipa

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Yes I have sent the third request to settle out of court on Saturday

I have done this before, I never said anywhere on previous posts that this was a first time. And, I mentioned in the first letter I sent to TIL that it was not the first time I had done this. I didn’t post that one on this forum though
 

WesternLancer

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I have done this before, I never said anywhere on previous posts that this was a first time. And, I mentioned in the first letter I sent to TIL that it was not the first time I had done this. I didn’t post that one on this forum though
Fair enough - and good that you were honest with TIL about that, which should stand in your favour ref options below.

I think options are now maybe:

seek legal help as per my suggestion above, or ring round local solicitors for a quote for that.

and / or

work out what cost you you will be of being found guilty in court (fine, charges and what impact it may have on your future) and weigh that up against costs of legal help if you do not wish to seek that.

and

be prepared to go to court on day of case and seek out prosecutor with intention of a last ditch request to settle out of court then and there (cases on here get mentioned where this happens)


It may be that others can pitch in with more or better advice for you.




Mod Edit: Reference to deleted question about two cases removed as the threads have been split.
 
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