Out of date 16-25 railcard

[shedswim12]

Last week, I purchased a return trip from Oxford Parkway to Marylebone via Chiltern Railways. I purchased it via the Trainline app. The 16-25 railcard discount tab on the app automatically applied and because, unfortunately, I had it in the back of my mind that it expired when I was aged 25, I didn't check the expiry date! Unfortunately, my railcard expired on 31 August 2023! This has been my only journey since the expiry date, and I can evidence this via Trainline. I can see how silly this was not to have checked the expiry date on the rail card which I had been given as a student as part of my student Santander account.

On the outward journey, I was approached by a Revenue Protection Officer. I handed over my ID and railcard who then informed me that it was out of date. He asked me for my drivers license and took a photo of it whilst also confiscating the railcard. He asked me for my personal details and asked me four questions. Two of which were (1) do I now know that the railcard was expired (2) was it my first time travelling on the expired railcard. Both to which I responded yes. A number of times I apologised for this error. The Officer did inform me that I should be OK as it is my first time travelling but I would expect to receive a letter in response from the rail company.

I did not receive a copy of the form that the RPO was completing. I immediately also bought a correct price valid ticket for that journey as well as the return journey. Furthermore, I also intend to purchase a new railcard.

I really do not want this to go to Court but wanted to check if I should wait to hear from Chiltern Railways/TIL, or would it be best to talk to solicitors now to try to get them to settle as soon as possible, as I am feeling extremely anxious. It was the first time using the card since it expired as I am not a regular user of the railways. It was a genuine error and I am feeling very anxious about it all as I work as a legal secretary and am worried how this might affect my job. I realise I should have checked the expiry date on the physical card. When I purchase a new railway card, it will be online, rather than a physical card, as I can see on other threads that it changes colour when it's out of date.

Does anyone have any experience of engaging with solicitors, with a successful outcome of settling, prior to receiving a letter? Any advice would be very welcome.

Many thanks.

 

[Wethebest838]

There is 0 need for a solicitor right now, to be fair I think there is no need for one overall. As you have not done this before, I think chances of administrative disposal (out of court settlement) will be very high.

Do note - TIL (Chilterns agents for this) can take 2 responses to their letters to secure a settlement. My cousin was caught by Chiltern and got a letter from TIL and got a settlement after 1 letter with 3 other journeys short faring so I think your chances are high. However, no 2 cases are the same.

@Hadders will be along with excellent advice on how to reply to the letter. The letter can take 6 months to arrive and I imagine Xmas slowed down the process.

Dont panic, even IF you was convicted, it is not the end of the world. Try not to worry about it! Easier said than done yeah but it’s not as scary as it sounds. You cannot be jailed for your offence.

You’ll get the best advice around here.

 

[spag23]

When I purchase a new railway card, it will be online, rather than a physical card, as I can see on other threads that it changes colour when it's out of date.

I shouldn't rely on this colour change alone. Everyone should set an an alert somewhere reliable (electronic, or paper if they over 60 ) for the expiry date. And your reply to the Company letter should mention you've done this too; they like to see positive actions to prevent a recurrence.

 

[WesternLancer]

Last week, I purchased a return trip from Oxford Parkway to Marylebone via Chiltern Railways. I purchased it via the Trainline app. The 16-25 railcard discount tab on the app automatically applied and because, unfortunately, I had it in the back of my mind that it expired when I was aged 25, I didn't check the expiry date! Unfortunately, my railcard expired on 31 August 2023! This has been my only journey since the expiry date, and I can evidence this via Trainline. I can see how silly this was not to have checked the expiry date on the rail card which I had been given as a student as part of my student Santander account.

On the outward journey, I was approached by a Revenue Protection Officer. I handed over my ID and railcard who then informed me that it was out of date. He asked me for my drivers license and took a photo of it whilst also confiscating the railcard. He asked me for my personal details and asked me four questions. Two of which were (1) do I now know that the railcard was expired (2) was it my first time travelling on the expired railcard. Both to which I responded yes. A number of times I apologised for this error. The Officer did inform me that I should be OK as it is my first time travelling but I would expect to receive a letter in response from the rail company.

I did not receive a copy of the form that the RPO was completing. I immediately also bought a correct price valid ticket for that journey as well as the return journey. Furthermore, I also intend to purchase a new railcard.

I really do not want this to go to Court but wanted to check if I should wait to hear from Chiltern Railways/TIL, or would it be best to talk to solicitors now to try to get them to settle as soon as possible, as I am feeling extremely anxious. It was the first time using the card since it expired as I am not a regular user of the railways. It was a genuine error and I am feeling very anxious about it all as I work as a legal secretary and am worried how this might affect my job. I realise I should have checked the expiry date on the physical card. When I purchase a new railway card, it will be online, rather than a physical card, as I can see on other threads that it changes colour when it's out of date.

Does anyone have any experience of engaging with solicitors, with a successful outcome of settling, prior to receiving a letter? Any advice would be very welcome.

Many thanks.

Hi - you will get good advice here on how to deal with this from this point forward, and probably does not need a solicitor to help you yet, but as you say you work in legal profession as a legal secretary I can see why you want to take care to get the best outcome.

Given your job it may be that you will want to alert your work at the right point. Perhaps you have a trusted colleague you can speak to about how best to do that.

It may be a few weeks before Chiltern or their agents (TIL usually) are in touch with you. Of course you need to persuade them it was a one off genuine error, and it sounds like the circs you describe show that to be the case (as opposed to deliberate evasion). You then took steps to prevent further problems, which stands in your favour (bought new tickets). By buying a new Railcard that is also something you can say to show you took immediate steps to prevent the problem happening again.

The general advice on here is usually no need to engage solicitors etc until you hear from the railway, but if this is an issue ref your job you will want to weigh up what advice gets posted here.

You will get good help from the forum on how to deal with this and respond at each step of the process if you want to do that all yourself however.

Be aware Chiltern / TIL can and probably will check your on line ticket buying account with any retailer, so you may want to be 100% sure that this has not happened on any other train trips since your Railcard expired, but it does sound like you have already checked that with your own records, which is a good action to have taken.

 

[shedswim12]

Thank you for your replies so far. When and if Chiltern / TIL check my online ticket buying account with any retailer (I have only ever used Trainline) they will see that this was the first time using the card since it expired and I genuinely feel so annoyed at myself that this happened in not checking the expiry date. I will take steps to ensure I keep a note of when to renew my new railcard. If this does result in an out of court settlement, do you think there would still be a need to inform my employer?

 

[AlterEgo]

If this does result in an out of court settlement, do you think there would still be a need to inform my employer?

Not at all.

 

[shedswim12]

Thank you again. I wanted to double check if anyone knows the probability of it being settled out of court, because it is a genuine first time error. Has anyone known a similar case that has gone to Court. I will obviously engage with Chiltern Railways / TIL as soon as I get their letter. Also, do you think I have done everything I can at this stage, or is there anything I should still do. I bought a new return ticket immediately and have purchased another railcard and will keep a note of when it's due to expire. I understand from other threads on here that Chiltern Railways are rigorous in their dealings of this sort of thing. Feeling extremely anxious!

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Thank you again. I wanted to double check if anyone knows the probability of it being settled out of court, because it is a genuine first time error. Has anyone known a similar case that has gone to Court. I will obviously engage with Chiltern Railways / TIL as soon as I get their letter. Also, do you think I have done everything I can at this stage, or is there anything I should still do. I bought a new return ticket immediately and have purchased another railcard and will keep a note of when it's due to expire. I understand from other threads on here that Chiltern Railways are rigorous in their dealings of this sort of thing. Feeling extremely anxious!

From what we see, TIL are normally prepared to settle, but it takes a couple of letters from you to reach that point.

As to what you can do now: make notes of exactly what happened - it's easy to forget details if you don't record them now. Then try to put the matter to the back of your mind until the railway or TIL get in touch.

 

[shedswim12]

From what we see, TIL are normally prepared to settle, but it takes a couple of letters from you to reach that point.

As to what you can do now: make notes of exactly what happened - it's easy to forget details if you don't record them now. Then try to put the matter to the back of your mind until the railway or TIL get in touch.

Thank you! I will do that.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

This is an unfortunate situation but you should be able to settle the matter without court action.

Chiltern or a company called Transport Investigation Limited who are a company they use to deal with some cases on their behalf will write to you. The letter can take a few weeks to arrive as they will often carry out checks with Trainline before writing to you. The letter will be written in quite an intimidating tone and say that they have received a report and are considering prosecuting you but asking for your version of events before they decide how to proceed. I suggest you include the following points when you reply:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and TfL's administrative costs in dealing with the matter
- You might also want to mention that having become aware of the situation that you immediately purchased a ticket to regularise the situation

Chiltern/TIL are usually prepared to settle these sort of cases out of court as long as you haven't come to their attention before. Often they will write a second letter to you which is effectively a repeat of the the first one but a re-writing of the first reply will usually result in a successful outcome.

Expect a settlement to cost around £150 plus the outstanding fare at the full Anytime rate with no credit for the value of the ticket you used to make the journey. An out of court settlement might appear to be a fine, but it isn't and you won't have a criminal record as a result of accepting one.

There is no need to involve a solicitor at this stage. Should your reply to their letter not yield a satisfactory outcome for you then this would be the time to consider involving one. Also, there is no need to tell your employer at this time. Your employer would only need to be informed if you are convicted (this requirement will normally be set out in your contract of employment)

Feel free to post a copy of the letter once it arrives (with personal details redacted) along with your draft reply in this thread and forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

 

[John R]

Just to clarify one point. Even if the worst happens in terms of a prosecution and conviction (and I would agree with others that it is highly unlikely, and that a settlement is much more probable), then so long as you tell your employer and explain that it was an oversight, there should be no adverse impact on your employment.

Forgetting to renew a railcard is not going to get you dismissed even in a regulated profession (whereas other activities such as short faring or doughnutting which are deliberate evasion could well do).

 

[shedswim12]

Welcome to the forum!

This is an unfortunate situation but you should be able to settle the matter without court action.

Chiltern or a company called Transport Investigation Limited who are a company they use to deal with some cases on their behalf will write to you. The letter can take a few weeks to arrive as they will often carry out checks with Trainline before writing to you. The letter will be written in quite an intimidating tone and say that they have received a report and are considering prosecuting you but asking for your version of events before they decide how to proceed. I suggest you include the following points when you reply:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and TfL's administrative costs in dealing with the matter
- You might also want to mention that having become aware of the situation that you immediately purchased a ticket to regularise the situation

Chiltern/TIL are usually prepared to settle these sort of cases out of court as long as you haven't come to their attention before. Often they will write a second letter to you which is effectively a repeat of the the first one but a re-writing of the first reply will usually result in a successful outcome.

Expect a settlement to cost around £150 plus the outstanding fare at the full Anytime rate with no credit for the value of the ticket you used to make the journey. An out of court settlement might appear to be a fine, but it isn't and you won't have a criminal record as a result of accepting one.

There is no need to involve a solicitor at this stage. Should your reply to their letter not yield a satisfactory outcome for you then this would be the time to consider involving one. Also, there is no need to tell your employer at this time. Your employer would only need to be informed if you are convicted (this requirement will normally be set out in your contract of employment)

Feel free to post a copy of the letter once it arrives (with personal details redacted) along with your draft reply in this thread and forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

Thank you for your help.

 

[shedswim12]

Just to clarify one point. Even if the worst happens in terms of a prosecution and conviction (and I would agree with others that it is highly unlikely, and that a settlement is much more probable), then so long as you tell your employer and explain that it was an oversight, there should be no adverse impact on your employment.

Forgetting to renew a railcard is not going to get you dismissed even in a regulated profession (whereas other activities such as short faring or doughnutting which are deliberate evasion could well do).

Thank you for your help.

I shouldn't rely on this colour change alone. Everyone should set an an alert somewhere reliable (electronic, or paper if they over 60 ) for the expiry date. And your reply to the Company letter should mention you've done this too; they like to see positive actions to prevent a recurrence.

That's great, I will do this. Thanks for the advice.

 

[shedswim12]

Moderator Note - this post has been merged into the original thread to keep everything relating to the case in one thread.

In January, I purchased a return trip from Oxford Parkway to Marylebone via Chiltern Railways. I purchased it via the Trainline app. The 16-25 railcard discount tab on the app automatically applied and because, unfortunately, I had it in the back of my mind that it expired when I was aged 25, I didn't check the expiry date! Unfortunately, my railcard expired on 31 August 2023! This has been my only journey since the expiry date, and I can evidence this via Trainline app. I can see how silly this was not to have checked the expiry date on the rail card which I had been given as a student as part of my student Santander account.

On the outward journey, I was approached by a Revenue Protection Officer. I handed over my ID and railcard who then informed me that it was out of date. He asked me for my driver's license and took a photo of it whilst also confiscating the railcard. A number of times I apologised for this error. The Officer did inform me that I should be OK as it is my first time travelling but I would expect to receive a letter in response from the rail company.

I did not receive a copy of the form that the RPO was completing. I immediately also bought a correct price valid ticket for that journey as well as the return journey. I have only used the train since then a couple of times. I am not a regular user of the railway. I have not bought a travel card since then because I hardly ever travel by rail.

When I put this on this forum earlier this year, I was advised to wait until I had received an initial letter from them giving notice of prosecution.

I have today received a Single Justice Procedure Notice and also a letter inviting me to interview at Marylebone Rail Station. (attached)

The letter, from Crime and Fraud Unit, Banbury, Chilternrailways, which is inviting me to interview, states that 'there is no previously reported incident of a similar matter on file in my name'.

I also note that on the Charge Sheet, I have been charged with two offences:

1. entering a train for the purpose of travelling without a valid ticket in conravention of Bylaw no 18 (1) of the Railway Bylaws

2. Failing to hand over a ticket for inspection when asked to do so* Bylaw no 18 (2) of the Railway Bylaws
*This was incorrect, because I did immediately hand over the e-ticket for inspection, as can be evidenced in the statement that was recorded at the time (also attached).

I am not certain what to do now. Will I be able to settle out of court? Should I seek independent legal advice (it states in the letter that I am advised to seek independent legal advice from a solicitor). Should I attend the interview. I note that I have until 30 June (next Sunday) to respond.

I really do not want this to go to Court and I am feeling extremely anxious. It was the first time using the card since it expired as I am not a regular user of the railways. It was a genuine error and I am feeling very anxious about it all as I work as a legal secretary and am worried how this might affect my job. I realise I should have checked the expiry date on the physical card. If I do ever need to purchase a new railway card, it will be online, rather than a physical card, as I can see on other threads that it changes colour when it's out of date.

Any advice regarding what to do now will be very much appreciated.

Many thanks.

Here is a copy of all the paperwork I have received today. They are all dated 20 June, all received today.

 

[Hadders]

Essentially Chiltern are giving you a choice:

1. Co-operate with them, tell them about other journeys where you have travelled with an out of date railcard and they will offer you an out of court settlement. You would have to pay them the cost of all the fares avoided at the full Anytime rate with no credit given for the tickets you did purchase and pay them an admin cost to reflect the cost of Chiltern dealing with your case. In return Chiltern will withdraw court proceedings.

2. Let the matter proceed to court where Chiltern would prosecute you for the single case where you were caught. You would almost certainly be found guilty and would have to pay a fine based on your income, a surcharge of 40% of the value of the fine, compensation for the fare avoided and a contribution towards Chiltern's court costs. If you choose this route you would have a criminal conviction which could cause some difficulties in other areas of life (although convictions under the Railway Byelaws don't normally show on Standard DBS checks).

Assuming you choose to co-operate Chiltern have said they want to interview you to establish the number of times you've travelled with an invalid ticket. You might be able to avoid the interview if you write a suitably worded letter where you tell them how many times this has happened. I suggest researching your Trainline account to establish the number of times you have travelled with an out of date railcard so that you can tell them this in your reply. If you post a draft copy of your reply in this thread forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

 

[shedswim12]

Essentially Chiltern are giving you a choice:

1. Co-operate with them, tell them about other journeys where you have travelled with an out of date railcard and they will offer you an out of court settlement. You would have to pay them the cost of all the fares avoided at the full Anytime rate with no credit given for the tickets you did purchase and pay them an admin cost to reflect the cost of Chiltern dealing with your case. In return Chiltern will withdraw court proceedings.

2. Let the matter proceed to court where Chiltern would prosecute you for the single case where you were caught. You would almost certainly be found guilty and would have to pay a fine based on your income, a surcharge of 40% of the value of the fine, compensation for the fare avoided and a contribution towards Chiltern's court costs. If you choose this route you would have a criminal conviction which could cause some difficulties in other areas of life (although convictions under the Railway Byelaws don't normally show on Standard DBS checks).

Assuming you choose to co-operate Chiltern have said they want to interview you to establish the number of times you've travelled with an invalid ticket. You might be able to avoid the interview if you write a suitably worded letter where you tell them how many times this has happened. I suggest researching your Trainline account to establish the number of times you have travelled with an out of date railcard so that you can tell them this in your reply. If you post a draft copy of your reply in this thread forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

Thank you for responding. I just wanted to clarify something. I have genuinely only used the out of date railcard once, on 6 January 2024. I know this because I rarely ever travel by train and this corresponds with the history on my Trainline app. Also, the letter states "as there is no previously reported incident of a similar matter on file in your name, we are authorised to allow a final opportunity to dispose of this matter by way of an administrative disposal". I will draft a letter along these lines and am very grateful for the help you are providing.

Thank you for responding. I just wanted to clarify something. I have genuinely only used the out of date railcard once, on 6 January 2024. I know this because I rarely ever travel by train and this corresponds with the history on my Trainline app. Also, the letter states "as there is no previously reported incident of a similar matter on file in your name, we are authorised to allow a final opportunity to dispose of this matter by way of an administrative disposal". I will draft a letter along these lines and am very grateful for the help you are providing.

Here is my draft reply:


Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you today in response to your letter dated 20 June 2024 and SJPN, received on 22 June 2024.

Please would you accept my sincere apologies that my 16-25 railcard was out of date at the time of my travel on 6 January 2024. It was a physical railcard, rather than an e-railcard, and I made the mistake of assuming that it expired when I was aged 25. I was shocked to discover that it was out of date, and realise that I should have checked the expiry date on the card. Again, please accept my apologies for this.

I am not a frequent traveller by train, and this was the first time I had used the card since its expiry as can be evidenced by the purchase history on my Trainline app. Once again, I am deeply sorry for my failure to produce an in date railcard, but had genuinely believed that it was still in date at the time.

After learning of that the 16-25 railcard had expired, I immediately took steps to rectify the situation by purchasing a full return ticket from Oxford to London Marylebone for the journey on 6 January 2024. I have since taken steps to make sure this is never repeated by purchasing non discounted Off-Peak Open Returns tickets instead.

I would very much appreciate it if you would consider settling this matter without the need for Court action. I am prepared to pay administrative costs incurred.

Once again, please accept my sincere apologies.

 

[Hadders]

The letter's pretty good. A couple of amendments:

- I'd remove the bit about assuming the railcard expired when you were 25. Just say ' It was a physical railcard, rather than an e-railcard, and I was shocked to discover that it was out of date, and realise that I should have checked the expiry date on the card. Again, please accept my apologies for this.'

- I would change the wording slightly on the next paragraph 'I am not a frequent traveller by train, and following the incident I checked the purchase history on my Trainline app and can only see this one journey since the railcard expired. Once again, I am deeply sorry for my failure to produce an in date railcard, but had genuinely believed that it was still in date at the time.' Are you absolutely certain that this is the only journey since the railcard expired? It is crucial that this bit is 100% correct. Have you bought any tickets through any other ticket selling websites? Have you purchased tickets for anyone else using your account?

- The sentence starting 'I have since taken steps...' I'd say 'Since the incident I have taken extreme care to make sure that I purchase the correct ticket before travel'. NB - have you purchased a new railcard? If you have then I would tell them this.

I'd wait a couple of days before sending the letter in case any other forum members have got anything else to add. Chiltern might still want you to attend an interview - but hopefully this reply gives them sufficient information to offer you a settlement without needing to interview you.

 

[shedswim12]

The letter's pretty good. A couple of amendments:

- I'd remove the bit about assuming the railcard expired when you were 25. Just say ' It was a physical railcard, rather than an e-railcard, and I was shocked to discover that it was out of date, and realise that I should have checked the expiry date on the card. Again, please accept my apologies for this.'

- I would change the wording slightly on the next paragraph 'I am not a frequent traveller by train, and following the incident I checked the purchase history on my Trainline app and can only see this one journey since the railcard expired. Once again, I am deeply sorry for my failure to produce an in date railcard, but had genuinely believed that it was still in date at the time.' Are you absolutely certain that this is the only journey since the railcard expired? It is crucial that this bit is 100% correct. Have you bought any tickets through any other ticket selling websites? Have you purchased tickets for anyone else using your account?

- The sentence starting 'I have since taken steps...' I'd say 'Since the incident I have taken extreme care to make sure that I purchase the correct ticket before travel'. NB - have you purchased a new railcard? If you have then I would tell them this.

I'd wait a couple of days before sending the letter in case any other forum members have got anything else to add. Chiltern might still want you to attend an interview - but hopefully this reply gives them sufficient information to offer you a settlement without needing to interview you.

Thank you for your help with this. I will edit and make the changes as you suggest and absolutely I will double check again my records, to ensure that I've not forgotten any trips as I realise this could be disastrous if I have overlooked something. (I was a regular rail user whilst at University, but I work locally to home now, so hardly ever use it). In your experience, do you think that this letter will be enough to enable an out of court settlement, or do you think they will still require me to attend an interview? If I am still asked to attend an interview, should I have legal representation? Thank you so much again.

 

[Titfield]

An interview is chosen by the TOC if they suspect there are multiple occasions of travelling with an invalid ticket or other form of fare evasion. If in your case it is a single event or a very small number of events then there is a good chance the issue could be resolved through letters / emails rather than an interview.

If they still insist upon an interview then what is the benefit to you of having legal representation? Obviously if there are multiple occasions of fare evasion then it is probably in your interests to do so (as arguably / debatably despite this, they may be more prepared to offer an administrative settlement to someone who is legally represented than not). But if it is one event of fare evasion or a very small number it is difficult to see why they wouldnt offer an admin settlement (in the first place) or indeed why having a legal rep would make a difference in an interview.

We have seen many occasions when a well crafted and genuine letter has resulted in an administrative settlement being offered despite the number of fare evasions being quite high. Sincerity, contrition and engagement is key to increasing the chances of being offered an out of court settlement. TOCS only proceed to court when either there has been no or minimal engagement or when the sheer scale of fare evasion (or its type for example forgery of rail tickets / railcards) can not be ignored. If your account is true, and I have no reason to doubt you, then based on past cases an offer of administrative settlement is the most likely outcome.

 

[Hadders]

Think about this a bit more I'm going to suggest a minor amendment to make things a little clearer for Chiltern:

'It was a physical railcard, rather than an e-railcard, and I was shocked to discover that it had expired on 31 August 2023. I realise I should have checked the expiry date on the card. Again, please accept my apologies for this.'

I'd be surprised if a settlement wasn't offered following this letter. Please do let us know how you get on.

 

[shedswim12]

An interview is chosen by the TOC if they suspect there are multiple occasions of travelling with an invalid ticket or other form of fare evasion. If in your case it is a single event or a very small number of events then there is a good chance the issue could be resolved through letters / emails rather than an interview.

If they still insist upon an interview then what is the benefit to you of having legal representation? Obviously if there are multiple occasions of fare evasion then it is probably in your interests to do so (as arguably / debatably despite this, they may be more prepared to offer an administrative settlement to someone who is legally represented than not). But if it is one event of fare evasion or a very small number it is difficult to see why they wouldnt offer an admin settlement (in the first place) or indeed why having a legal rep would make a difference in an interview.

We have seen many occasions when a well crafted and genuine letter has resulted in an administrative settlement being offered despite the number of fare evasions being quite high. Sincerity, contrition and engagement is key to increasing the chances of being offered an out of court settlement. TOCS only proceed to court when either there has been no or minimal engagement or when the sheer scale of fare evasion (or its type for example forgery of rail tickets / railcards) can not be ignored. If your account is true, and I have no reason to doubt you, then based on past cases an offer of administrative settlement is the most likely outcome.

Thank you.

Think about this a bit more I'm going to suggest a minor amendment to make things a little clearer for Chiltern:

'It was a physical railcard, rather than an e-railcard, and I was shocked to discover that it had expired on 31 August 2023. I realise I should have checked the expiry date on the card. Again, please accept my apologies for this.'

I'd be surprised if a settlement wasn't offered following this letter. Please do let us know how you get on.

I will make the edit and let you know how I get on. Thank you, once again.

Thank you.


I will make the edit and let you know how I get on. Thank you, once again.

Just wanted to double check this....

This would be my reply (with the suggested edits)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you today in response to your letter dated 20 June 2024 and SJPN, received on 22 June 2024.
Please would you accept my sincere apologies that my 16-25 railcard was out of date at the time of my travel on 6 January 2024. It was a physical railcard, rather than an e-railcard, and I was shocked to discover that it had expired on 31 August 2023. I realise I should have checked the expiry date on the card. Again, please accept my apologies for this.

I am not a frequent traveller by train, and following the incident I checked the purchase history on my Trainline app and can only see this one journey since the railcard expired. Once again, I am deeply sorry for my failure to produce an in date railcard but I had genuinely believed that it was still in date at the time.

After learning of that the 16-25 railcard had expired, I immediately took steps to rectify the situation by purchasing a full return ticket from Oxford to London Marylebone for the journey on 6 January 2024. Since the incident I have taken extreme care to make sure that I purchase the correct ticket before travel.

I would very much appreciate it if you would consider settling this matter without the need for Court action. I am prepared to pay administrative costs incurred.

Once again, please accept my sincere apologies.

 

[Hadders]

I think it’s fine and reads well.

 

[shedswim12]

I think it’s fine and reads well.

Thank you! I will let you know how I get on.

 

[tskir]

Given that the OP is absolutely certain that they only traveled once since the railcard expired, I'm wondering if Chiltern might be just plainly lying about submitting any data access requests to ticket retailers? May it be the case that they just always include this line in the hopes that the recipient spills the beans and makes work easier for them?

 

[Hadders]

Given that the OP is absolutely certain that they only traveled once since the railcard expired, I'm wondering if Chiltern might be just plainly lying about submitting any data access requests to ticket retailers? May it be the case that they just always include this line in the hopes that the recipient spills the beans and makes work easier for them?

It's probably just a standard template letter that they send out to everyone.

 

[shedswim12]

Thanks again. I've sent the email and wanted to check what normally happens now? How long do they normally take to respond? Do they normally respond by email or should I wait to receive another letter in the post? Should I send a copy of the email in the post via Recorded Delivery? Many thanks again.

 

[Hadders]

I expect it to take them a few weeks to respond, Chiltern do seem to have a bit of a backlog at the moment. There's nothing wrong with sending a copy to them in the post via Recorded Delivery, I'd enclose a covering letter making it clear that this is what you've done.