I’ve just received a Notice of Intention to Prosecute from GTR, and I’m really stressed about it. I was caught traveling with a discounted ticket that needed a 26-30 Railcard, which I don’t have. This happened because I’d recently bought a ticket for my sister on my Trainline account, and her railcard was still attached when I booked mine. I didn’t notice the mistake until I saw the inspector coming down the train.
I immediately bought a full-price ticket on my phone. When the inspector came to check, he scanned it and pointed out that I had purchased it just a few minutes earlier, then asked why. I explained that I had just noticed the mistake. He then asked if I had bought the ticket on Trainline and asked me to open the app. While I held the phone, he briefly scrolled through my booking history and saw a handful (maybe slightly more) of other tickets with the same discounted fare.
I’ve read other posts and noticed that some people advise not to mention previous tickets unless asked directly, but I’m still not sure what to do. I’m not sure whether to go into any detail about the situation with purchasing my sister’s tickets or to just leave it focusing on the fact that I’m really sorry and have realised my mistake.
I feel awful about this and just want to sort it out without going to court if possible. Here’s the draft response I’m planning to send. I’d really appreciate any feedback or advice on whether it sounds okay or if there’s a better way to word it.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in response to the Notice of Intention to Prosecute dated 21 March 2025. I would like to sincerely apologise for travelling with a ticket that was not valid for my journey.
Before the ticket inspection, I noticed that the ticket I had purchased included a 26-30 Railcard discount that I did not possess. This happened because I’d recently bought a ticket for my sister on my Trainline account, and her railcard was still attached when I booked mine. Realising the mistake, I immediately purchased a full-price ticket, which I have attached for your reference.
I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure I hold a valid ticket before boarding the train, and I deeply regret any inconvenience caused. I am keen to resolve this matter without the need for court proceedings and am willing to cover any outstanding fare difference and administrative costs.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Anthony
If anyone has been in a similar situation or has any tips on how to improve my response, I’d really appreciate your help. I’m genuinely worried about what might happen, and I just want to do the right thing to fix this.
Thanks so much in advance!
I immediately bought a full-price ticket on my phone. When the inspector came to check, he scanned it and pointed out that I had purchased it just a few minutes earlier, then asked why. I explained that I had just noticed the mistake. He then asked if I had bought the ticket on Trainline and asked me to open the app. While I held the phone, he briefly scrolled through my booking history and saw a handful (maybe slightly more) of other tickets with the same discounted fare.
I’ve read other posts and noticed that some people advise not to mention previous tickets unless asked directly, but I’m still not sure what to do. I’m not sure whether to go into any detail about the situation with purchasing my sister’s tickets or to just leave it focusing on the fact that I’m really sorry and have realised my mistake.
I feel awful about this and just want to sort it out without going to court if possible. Here’s the draft response I’m planning to send. I’d really appreciate any feedback or advice on whether it sounds okay or if there’s a better way to word it.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in response to the Notice of Intention to Prosecute dated 21 March 2025. I would like to sincerely apologise for travelling with a ticket that was not valid for my journey.
Before the ticket inspection, I noticed that the ticket I had purchased included a 26-30 Railcard discount that I did not possess. This happened because I’d recently bought a ticket for my sister on my Trainline account, and her railcard was still attached when I booked mine. Realising the mistake, I immediately purchased a full-price ticket, which I have attached for your reference.
I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure I hold a valid ticket before boarding the train, and I deeply regret any inconvenience caused. I am keen to resolve this matter without the need for court proceedings and am willing to cover any outstanding fare difference and administrative costs.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Anthony
If anyone has been in a similar situation or has any tips on how to improve my response, I’d really appreciate your help. I’m genuinely worried about what might happen, and I just want to do the right thing to fix this.
Thanks so much in advance!