Notice to respond for consideration for prosecution.- SER! URGENT HELP

[Maya]

I received a letter from SER asking for a response to an incident where I bought a weekly ticket from a different station close by as there was a fare difference. I had bought similar tickets in past since August, when I travel all five days and on rest of the other days I relay on tap- in/ tap- out. It was a stupid decision making in part and I deeply regret it.
I repeatedly said to the staff that this was a mistake and I am willing to pay the fine. She latter said she understands this but the cost might be higher hence, gave me a ticket.
I am panicked with this situation and seeking advise please.

This is my letter, please any guidance in refining my response or any recommendations is highly appreciated.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I was subjected to an interrogation at Waterloo East Station. As part of my usual travel route, I frequently commute through London stations, including London Bridge, and I purchase a Weekly Flexi-Season Ticket when travelling five days a week. On other occasions, I comply with tap-in/tap-out payments, ensuring I pay for my travel journey in full.

My address is close to several stations, including Catford, Catford Bridge, Hither Green, Lewisham, and Ladywell. I have typically purchased tickets to Hither Green, Catford, Catford Bridge, and Lewisham, as they are in walking distance to where I live. However, I am now aware that the routes I have taken and the tickets I have purchased do not align with Southeastern Railway’s travel regulations.

I sincerely apologise for my ignorance and lack of judgment on my part. I understand the seriousness of this situation and its consequences it beholds. Since this incident, I have learned my lesson and have strictly adhered to Southeastern Railway’s travel rules, ensuring I purchase the correct tickets for all my journeys. I promise to continue doing so in the future. This was a complete lapse in my judgment and I deeply regret it.


I take full responsibility for my actions and am willing to pay any necessary compensation to cover the costs I owe to Southeastern Railway. I would be extremely grateful if Southeastern Railway would accept my apology and consider settling this matter without the need of court.


Once again, I sincerely apologise and appreciate your time and consideration. Please be assured that this will never happen again.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

I received a letter from SER asking for a response to an incident where I bought a weekly ticket from a different station close by as there was a fare difference. I had bought similar tickets in past since August, when I travel all five days and on rest of the other days I relay on tap- in/ tap- out. It was a stupid decision making in part and I deeply regret it.
I repeatedly said to the staff that this was a mistake and I am willing to pay the fine. She latter said she understands this but the cost might be higher hence, gave me a ticket.
I am panicked with this situation and seeking advise please.

This is my letter, please any guidance in refining my response or any recommendations is highly appreciated.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I was subjected to an interrogation at Waterloo East Station. As part of my usual travel route, I frequently commute through London stations, including London Bridge, and I purchase a Weekly Flexi-Season Ticket when travelling five days a week. On other occasions, I comply with tap-in/tap-out payments, ensuring I pay for my travel journey in full.

My address is close to several stations, including Catford, Catford Bridge, Hither Green, Lewisham, and Ladywell. I have typically purchased tickets to Hither Green, Catford, Catford Bridge, and Lewisham, as they are in walking distance to where I live. However, I am now aware that the routes I have taken and the tickets I have purchased do not align with Southeastern Railway’s travel regulations.

I sincerely apologise for my ignorance and lack of judgment on my part. I understand the seriousness of this situation and its consequences it beholds. Since this incident, I have learned my lesson and have strictly adhered to Southeastern Railway’s travel rules, ensuring I purchase the correct tickets for all my journeys. I promise to continue doing so in the future. This was a complete lapse in my judgment and I deeply regret it.


I take full responsibility for my actions and am willing to pay any necessary compensation to cover the costs I owe to Southeastern Railway. I would be extremely grateful if Southeastern Railway would accept my apology and consider settling this matter without the need of court.


Once again, I sincerely apologise and appreciate your time and consideration. Please be assured that this will never happen again.

Welcome to the forum!

A couple of things

- it would really help us if you could show us what the railway has sent you, so that we know what questions you need to answer (and which ones you don't). Redact it to hide your name, address and so on as you probably don't want the whole internet seeing that
- it's probably better not to use the phrase 'subjected to an interrogation'. While that may be literally true, the implications of the words 'subjected' and 'interrogation' suggest that the people doing it were bad people. As you will want to get the railway to make a decision in your favour, it's not a good idea to suggest that their colleagues at Waterloo East are bad people.

 

[Maya]

Thank you so much for your advice. I really want to submit it asap.
Sure, will edit that. Dont want to get in their bad side at all.
This is the letter I received.

 

[notmyrealname]

Hi.

You have three weeks from 10th March to get the letter to them, so it's worth taking a day or two to reply, with help from the pros here.

I would address the letter 'Dear Mr Wills' as that's the name on their letter and you need to put their reference at the top of the letter. I put it after Dear xx and before the start of the letter, some people add it before Dear xx.

Finish with 'Yours sincerely'.

 

[Maya]

Thanks.. will make those amendments.
I am just panicked as they have said will consider for prosecution as I am in visa and have to apply for jobs. I deeply regret my decision making.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Thank you so much for your advice. I really want to submit it asap.
Sure, will edit that. Dont want to get in their bad side at all.
This is the letter I received.

Thanks for showing us the letter. We've suggested a few changes: I think if you made those changes then your proposed reply would be a good one.

 

[AlterEgo]

I received a letter from SER asking for a response to an incident where I bought a weekly ticket from a different station close by as there was a fare difference. I had bought similar tickets in past since August, when I travel all five days and on rest of the other days I relay on tap- in/ tap- out. It was a stupid decision making in part and I deeply regret it.
I repeatedly said to the staff that this was a mistake and I am willing to pay the fine. She latter said she understands this but the cost might be higher hence, gave me a ticket.
I am panicked with this situation and seeking advise please.

This is my letter, please any guidance in refining my response or any recommendations is highly appreciated.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I was subjected to an interrogation at Waterloo East Station. As part of my usual travel route, I frequently commute through London stations, including London Bridge, and I purchase a Weekly Flexi-Season Ticket when travelling five days a week. On other occasions, I comply with tap-in/tap-out payments, ensuring I pay for my travel journey in full.

My address is close to several stations, including Catford, Catford Bridge, Hither Green, Lewisham, and Ladywell. I have typically purchased tickets to Hither Green, Catford, Catford Bridge, and Lewisham, as they are in walking distance to where I live. However, I am now aware that the routes I have taken and the tickets I have purchased do not align with Southeastern Railway’s travel regulations.

I sincerely apologise for my ignorance and lack of judgment on my part. I understand the seriousness of this situation and its consequences it beholds. Since this incident, I have learned my lesson and have strictly adhered to Southeastern Railway’s travel rules, ensuring I purchase the correct tickets for all my journeys. I promise to continue doing so in the future. This was a complete lapse in my judgment and I deeply regret it.


I take full responsibility for my actions and am willing to pay any necessary compensation to cover the costs I owe to Southeastern Railway. I would be extremely grateful if Southeastern Railway would accept my apology and consider settling this matter without the need of court.


Once again, I sincerely apologise and appreciate your time and consideration. Please be assured that this will never happen again.

What exactly has happened? What ticket were you travelling with when you were stopped, and what *exactly* are you being accused of?

 

[anothertyke]

I am wondering whether your initial response letter should be more specific to the particular occasion on which you were stopped. For example, suppose you had a season from Lewisham but boarded at Hither Green. Would it not be better to admit that, express regret, tell them it won't happen again, that you are hoping to arrive at an appropriate settlement and see what the response is? Your para saying that you live midway between five stations and use all of them risks opening Pandora's Box.

 

[Maya]

On the day of incident, I had bought a weekly ticket from Lewisham to Waterloo whilst I travelled from Hither Green and there is a fare difference. But on week prior I had bought weekly ticket from Hither Green which is the route I usually take for my travel. There are previous tickets from Lewisham to London stations from August but have travelled from Hither Green/Catford with the same ticket. As these stations are nearby, the tickets I had bought- weekly and my station I alighted aren't same. On rest of the days, I comply to card payment for my complete journey.
On the day of incident,rail staff asked me where did I get train from? in morning rush I replied lewisham but had got my train from Hither Green and corrected myself when asked again. She checked if there's a fare difference which there was. The staff went through my travel history and enquired if I had bought further tickets from lewisham which I had in various occasions from August and has noted that down.
I am regretting my decision making at my core.

 

[MarlowDonkey]

I am wondering whether your initial response letter should be more specific to the particular occasion on which you were stopped. For example, suppose you had a season from Lewisham but boarded at Hither Green. Would it not be better to admit that, express regret, tell them it won't happen again, that you are hoping to arrive at an appropriate settlement and see what the response is? Your para saying that you live midway between five stations and use all of them risks opening Pandora's Box.

It may be worth asking in the Fares Advice section whether there's a Season ticket that would cover all the stations. Break of journey is not a problem with season tickets as they are valid at all intermediate ststions on a permitted route.

 

[Maya]

I am wondering whether your initial response letter should be more specific to the particular occasion on which you were stopped. For example, suppose you had a season from Lewisham but boarded at Hither Green. Would it not be better to admit that, express regret, tell them it won't happen again, that you are hoping to arrive at an appropriate settlement and see what the response is? Your para saying that you live midway between five stations and use all of them risks opening Pandora's Box.

On the day of incident, I had bought a weekly ticket from Lewisham to Waterloo whilst I travelled from Hither Green and there is a fare difference. But week prior I had bought weekly ticket from Hither Green which is the route I usually take for my travel. There are previous tickets from Lewisham to London stations from August but have travelled from Hither Green/Catford with the same ticket. As these stations are nearby, the tickets I had bought- weekly and my station I alighted aren't same. On rest of the days, I comply to card payment for my complete journey.
On the day of incident,rail staff asked me where did I get train from? in morning rush I replied lewisham but had got my train from Hither Green and corrected myself when asked again. She checked if there's a fare difference which there was. The staff went through my travel history and enquired if I had bought further tickets from lewisham which I had in various occasions from August and has noted that down.
I am regretting my decision making to my core.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

Sorry, Its not break in the journey. I had travelled from Hither Green and bought a weekly ticket from Lewisham with shortened fare.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

It may be worth asking in the Fares Advice section whether there's a Season ticket that would cover all the stations. Break of journey is not a problem with season tickets as they are valid at all intermediate ststions on a permitted route.

Sorry, Its not break in journey. I had bought weekly ticket from Lewisham to London station with shortened fare whilst travelling from Hither Green.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

This is my refined letter.

Dear Mr. xxx,

On the morning of 14th February, as a part of my travel route, I frequently commute through London stations, including London Bridge, and I purchased a Weekly Flexi-Season Ticket when working five days a week. On other occasions, I comply with tap-in/tap-out payments, ensuring I pay for my travel journey in full.


I had bought a weekly ticket from Lewisham to Waterloo station, however travelled from Hither Green with shortened fare and had intermittently purchased tickets from Lewisham since August. It’s an absolute lack of judgement and a decision I regret to my core.


I sincerely apologise for my ignorance and lack of judgment on my part. I understand the seriousness of this situation and its consequences it beholds. Since this incident, I have learned my lesson and have strictly adhered to Southeastern Railway’s travel rules, ensuring I have paid correctly for all my journeys. I promise to continue doing so in the future. This was a complete lapse in judgment and I deeply regret it.


I take full responsibility for my actions and am willing to pay any necessary compensation to cover the costs I owe to Southeastern Railway. I would be extremely grateful if Southeastern Railway would accept my apology and consider settling this matter without the need of court.


Once again, I sincerely apologise and appreciate your time and consideration. Please be assured that this will never happen again.


Yours Sincerely

 

[MarlowDonkey]

Sorry, Its not break in the journey. I had travelled from Hither Green and bought a weekly ticket from Lewisham with shortened fare.

I would imagine the key point is that Lewisham is Zone 2 whilst Hither Green is Zone 3 so South Eastern would regard travelling from Zone 3 with a Zone 2 ticket as shortfaring.

 

[30907]

Pedantically, it's a Weekly Season Ticket (no Flexi).

For info: a season from Hither Green can be obtained "also available at Ladywell" but not at Catford Bridge unfortunately. (A Travelcard Season would cover it but is much more expensive.)
That said, staff might show discretion - but clearly not with a Lewisham ticket

 

[Maya]

Yes, this is absolutely my fault. I had bought ticket from Lewisham.
Hence, want to apologise and settle, can't afford prosecution. It's a nightmare.

 

[anothertyke]

Yes, this is absolutely my fault. I had bought ticket from Lewisham.
Hence, want to apologise and settle, can't afford prosecution. It's a nightmare.

OK so in that case maybe there are two ways you could choose to be helpful to South Eastern and demonstrate your good faith.

One way would be to research your purchasing history and identify the number of weeks on which you purchased a weekly season from Lewisham (c £24) rather than from Hither Green ( c £32). That is probably what SER are going to do anyway, but volunteering the information might put you in a favourable light with them.

Secondly you could say that you now understand that in the weekly seasons you must either purchase one covering Catford, Catford Bridge, Ladywell and Lewisham OR one covering Hither Green, Ladywell and Lewisham ( or at a cheaper rate Lewisham alone) and that you will make that choice going forward.

I don't know the rules with a season ticket. In a case like this, is the operator entitled to charge say twenty standard fare singles per week or is it based on actual usage? Obviously it could be expensive.

My daughter lived just off the Lewisham High Rd so I know quite well the station choices you have. I hope you get it sorted OK.

 

[Maya]

Thank you everyone for all your advises.

This is my final draft. I haven't calculated the total difference in fare- as dont want to get it wrong and risk it, But have mentioned the purchase has been since August.

Dear Mr. Wills,

Reference number:
Thank you for reaching out to me regarding the incident that occurred on 14th February 2025, at Waterloo station.

As a part of my travel route, as I frequently commute through London stations, including London Bridge, and I occasionally purchase single ticket or a Weekly Flexi-Season Ticket when working five days a week. On other occasions, I comply with tap-in/tap-out payments, ensuring I pay for my travel journey in full.

On the morning of 14th February, I had bought a weekly ticket from Lewisham to Waterloo station, however travelled from Hither Green with shortened fare and had intermittently purchased tickets from Lewisham since August. It’s an absolute lack of judgement and a decision I regret to my core.

I sincerely apologise for my ignorance and lack of judgment on my part. I understand the seriousness of this situation and its consequences it beholds. Since this incident, I have learned my lesson and have strictly adhered to Southeastern Railway’s travel rules, ensuring I have paid correctly for all my journeys. I promise to continue doing so in the future. This was a complete lapse in my judgment and I deeply regret it.

I take full responsibility for my actions and am willing to pay any necessary compensation to cover the costs I owe to Southeastern Railway along with administrative costs. I would be extremely grateful if Southeastern Railway would accept my apology and consider settling this matter without the need of court.

Once again, I sincerely apologise and appreciate your time and consideration. Please be assured that this will never happen again.



Yours Sincerely,

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you everyone for all your advises.

This is my final draft. I haven't calculated the total difference in fare- as dont want to get it wrong and risk it, But have mentioned the purchase has been since August.

Dear Mr. Wills,

Reference number:
Thank you for reaching out to me regarding the incident that occurred on 14th February 2025, at Waterloo station.

As a part of my travel route, as I frequently commute through London stations, including London Bridge, and I occasionally purchase single ticket or a Weekly Flexi-Season Ticket when working five days a week. On other occasions, I comply with tap-in/tap-out payments, ensuring I pay for my travel journey in full.

On the morning of 14th February, I had bought a weekly ticket from Lewisham to Waterloo station, however travelled from Hither Green with shortened fare and had intermittently purchased tickets from Lewisham since August. It’s an absolute lack of judgement and a decision I regret to my core.

I sincerely apologise for my ignorance and lack of judgment on my part. I understand the seriousness of this situation and its consequences it beholds. Since this incident, I have learned my lesson and have strictly adhered to Southeastern Railway’s travel rules, ensuring I have paid correctly for all my journeys. I promise to continue doing so in the future. This was a complete lapse in my judgment and I deeply regret it.

I take full responsibility for my actions and am willing to pay any necessary compensation to cover the costs I owe to Southeastern Railway along with administrative costs. I would be extremely grateful if Southeastern Railway would accept my apology and consider settling this matter without the need of court.

Once again, I sincerely apologise and appreciate your time and consideration. Please be assured that this will never happen again.



Yours Sincerely,

I hope these comments / suggested amends are of help. Hope you can see my suggested insertions - not so easy to make these as clear as the strikethroughs. Hope this helps and good luck sorting it

----------------------------------------

They are not 'reaching out to you' - they are telling you they might prosecute you - use more formal language in my view

Dear Mr. Wills,

Reference number:

Thank you for your letter of xxx reaching out to me regarding the incident that occurred on 14th February 2025, at Waterloo station.

[I'm not sure what the next para is trying to explain in the first sentence - read it back carefully and see if you can tweak it for clarity]
As a part of my travel route, as I frequently commute through London stations, including London Bridge, and I occasionally purchase single ticket or a Weekly Flexi-Season Ticket when working five days a week. On other occasions, I comply with tap-in/tap-out payments, ensuring I pay for my travel journey in full.

On the morning of 14th February, I had bought a weekly ticket from Lewisham to Waterloo station, however I travelled from Hither Green with shortened fare and had intermittently purchased tickets from Lewisham since August. It’s an absolute lack of judgement and a decision I regret to my core.

I sincerely apologise for my ignorance and lack of judgment on my part. I understand the seriousness of this situation and its consequences it beholds. Since this incident, I have learned my lesson and have strictly adhered to Southeastern Railway’s travel rules the requirement to have a valid ticket for all of my rail travel, ensuring I have paid correctly for all my journeys. I promise to continue doing so in the future. This was a complete lapse in my judgment and I deeply regret it.

I take full responsibility for my actions and am willing to pay any necessary compensation to cover the fares costs I owe to Southeastern Railway along with administrative costs. I would be extremely grateful if Southeastern Railway would accept my apology and consider settling this matter without the need of court prosecution.

Once again, I sincerely apologise and appreciate your time and consideration. Please be assured that this will never happen again.

Yours Sincerely,

 

[Maya]

Thank you for your help and guidance. I have made recommended edits to my letter. Hoping for a favourable outcome.

 

[30907]

Thank you for your help and guidance. I have made recommended edits to my letter. Hoping for a favourable outcome.

Small point: also delete "my ignorance." You knew what you were doing.

 

[furlong]

I don't know the rules with a season ticket. In a case like this, is the operator entitled to charge say twenty standard fare singles per week or is it based on actual usage? Obviously it could be expensive.

If it is clear that a season ticket would have been used, then that is what the operator can ask for. If the passenger was buying separate single or return tickets each time, they could make the case for using single or return tickets accordingly. The relevant question is: What would this specific passenger be most likely to have bought if they hadn't broken the law? Or in other words, how much money did the train company actually miss out on as a result of an alleged criminal offence? (Reference Peter Barnett and Chiltern)