Hi everyone, I hope this message finds you well.
I’m looking for some advice as I received a penalty fare from travelling on the wrong train from Leeds to Manchester on Thursday 18th April.
To provide context, I had purchased a ticket on Trainpal with my 16-25 railcard for the 4:42pm Northern Rail train from Leeds to Manchester. However, I mistakenly boarded the 4:45pm TransPennine Express train, not realising it was under a different company, and believing the 3 minute difference to be a slight delay common with train services.
Then, when the ticket inspector came round he told me I had boarded the wrong train, and issued me a penalty fare of £127, £77 if I pay within 21 days. (£50 fine plus the £27 ticket). I had paid £8.80 with my railcard for the train I was supposed to board with Northern Rail.
I was unaware that trains to the same destination from one station at essentially the same time could be operated by different companies. He told me I could appeal this situation and gave me a reference number and where to submit the application.
As a student already experiencing financial strain, this penalty is going to significantly impact me. I genuinely did not intend to break any rules or fare evade; I simply misunderstood the situation due to the 3 minute train time difference and my lack of experience with train services in the area (I am not originally from Leeds and hadn’t made a journey to Manchester before).
In light of these circumstances, I am seeking advice on how best to appeal this situation. I understand that it may not be likely grounds for acceptance since it was my mistake, however I’d like to think it's worth a shot! Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated, I have never been issued a penalty before or written an appeal - am in the dark and quite stressed!
Cheers
!!! *** EDIT *** !!!
Thanks for all the engagement and advice so far, it's been really interesting to hear all your input!
A few people have asked how I made the mistake / what information I relied upon.
I looked at the station information board in Leeds train station and saw the departure to 'Manchester', at 16:45, knowing my journey was also to Manchester (as this is what it says on my ticket) I assumed the the 3 minute difference (opposed to my 4:42pm departure) was a slight delay, as I know delays in departure by a couple minutes are common.
I am not too experienced in train travel, so after seeing a destination to Manchester at my (assumed) correct time, I hopped on, not realising this would have such severe consequences!
Some people have said the train I was supposed to be on ended at Chester - if this was written on the board I wouldn't have realised it was my train as my app says Manchester Victoria is my destination, so this is why I only scanned the station board for destinations to Manchester. This is mistake that I've learnt the hard way!
Also, I have uploaded a picture of my penalty fare (with sensitive detail blacked out) as some people suggested uploading it in case of mistakes.
One more question - I have seen a few comments saying if I submit for an appeal the TOC can't criminally prosecute me? I hope I am understanding that right. And it seems that while I am waiting for the appeal it freezes the payment deadline? Just double checking to make sure I understand right before/if I submit an appeal.
Who would have thought a 3 minute mistake would be the most expensive one of my life!
Thanks again for all the input.
I’m looking for some advice as I received a penalty fare from travelling on the wrong train from Leeds to Manchester on Thursday 18th April.
To provide context, I had purchased a ticket on Trainpal with my 16-25 railcard for the 4:42pm Northern Rail train from Leeds to Manchester. However, I mistakenly boarded the 4:45pm TransPennine Express train, not realising it was under a different company, and believing the 3 minute difference to be a slight delay common with train services.
Then, when the ticket inspector came round he told me I had boarded the wrong train, and issued me a penalty fare of £127, £77 if I pay within 21 days. (£50 fine plus the £27 ticket). I had paid £8.80 with my railcard for the train I was supposed to board with Northern Rail.
I was unaware that trains to the same destination from one station at essentially the same time could be operated by different companies. He told me I could appeal this situation and gave me a reference number and where to submit the application.
As a student already experiencing financial strain, this penalty is going to significantly impact me. I genuinely did not intend to break any rules or fare evade; I simply misunderstood the situation due to the 3 minute train time difference and my lack of experience with train services in the area (I am not originally from Leeds and hadn’t made a journey to Manchester before).
In light of these circumstances, I am seeking advice on how best to appeal this situation. I understand that it may not be likely grounds for acceptance since it was my mistake, however I’d like to think it's worth a shot! Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated, I have never been issued a penalty before or written an appeal - am in the dark and quite stressed!
Cheers
!!! *** EDIT *** !!!
Thanks for all the engagement and advice so far, it's been really interesting to hear all your input!
A few people have asked how I made the mistake / what information I relied upon.
I looked at the station information board in Leeds train station and saw the departure to 'Manchester', at 16:45, knowing my journey was also to Manchester (as this is what it says on my ticket) I assumed the the 3 minute difference (opposed to my 4:42pm departure) was a slight delay, as I know delays in departure by a couple minutes are common.
I am not too experienced in train travel, so after seeing a destination to Manchester at my (assumed) correct time, I hopped on, not realising this would have such severe consequences!
Some people have said the train I was supposed to be on ended at Chester - if this was written on the board I wouldn't have realised it was my train as my app says Manchester Victoria is my destination, so this is why I only scanned the station board for destinations to Manchester. This is mistake that I've learnt the hard way!
Also, I have uploaded a picture of my penalty fare (with sensitive detail blacked out) as some people suggested uploading it in case of mistakes.
One more question - I have seen a few comments saying if I submit for an appeal the TOC can't criminally prosecute me? I hope I am understanding that right. And it seems that while I am waiting for the appeal it freezes the payment deadline? Just double checking to make sure I understand right before/if I submit an appeal.
Who would have thought a 3 minute mistake would be the most expensive one of my life!
Thanks again for all the input.
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