Buying a ticket while on the journey - ticket machine not working

[val32]

When I arrived at the station to buy a travel card, which requires printing the ticket, I found the card machine for the ticket system was offline. The barriers were open, and as the train was pulling in, I boarded without a ticket, planning to sort it out on the journey. Five minutes in, I purchased an off-peak ticket online via Trainline, which issues e-tickets. However, about 50 minutes into the journey, a Govia staff member took a witness statement, claiming I had broken the bylaw by entering the station without a valid ticket. Unfortunately, I have no proof that it was offline - I was in such a rush I didn't think. I clearly wasn't trying to evade the fare, as I bought my ticket before any inspection took place. Now, I have to wait 4-6 weeks for a letter, and it's causing me a lot of anxiety.

I’m naturally scared about conviction, but how likely will it just be a fine if my argument doesn’t stand. Will they also look at my Trainline history? I’ve done this before, get on a train and then buy a ticket usually from St Pancras to London Bridge as it’s cheaper to buy a ticket with railcard than tap in for a one way ticket.

What are your thoughts? I'm just trying to understand where I stand on this issue and what evidence may be looked at. Thanks

 

[John R]

Which station were you travelling from?

As for the short tickets from St Pancras to London Bridge, if you buy on the train, how do you get through the gateline at St Pancras? Those tickets will certainly arouse suspicion that you have been short faring.

 

[val32]

Which station were you travelling from?

As for the short tickets from St Pancras to London Bridge, if you buy on the train, how do you get through the gateline at St Pancras? Those tickets will certainly arouse suspicion that you have been short faring.

It was St Neots to London - Thameslink.

I won’t lie, they definitely are short fares…

 

[Flange Squeal]

Will they also look at my Trainline history? I’ve done this before, get on a train and then buy a ticket usually from St Pancras to London Bridge as it’s cheaper to buy a ticket with railcard than tap in for a one way ticket.

Almost certainly, so when you receive a letter it would be very much in your interests to tell the truth.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

I'm a nit confused about what's happened. You mentioned that you couldn't collect a ticket purchased online from the ticket machine at St Neots. Did this ticket cover the entire length of your journey? Or was it a short ticket that you were then going to use with a St Pancras to London Bridge ticket?

Exactly what ticket did you buy on the train, and why? If I couldn't collect an otherwise valid ticket because of a failure of railway equipment then I wouldn't be purchasing another ticket.

 

[Haywain]

What are your thoughts? I'm just trying to understand where I stand on this issue and what evidence may be looked at.

To be clear, boarding a train without a ticket (where facilities are available to buy one) is an offence, so if the ticket office was open or there is more than one machine you have committed that offence. And you have a history of short faring. Fortunately, you will be dealing with GTR who are one of the better train companies in this situation. You will likely end up achieving a settlement which requires you to pay the outstanding fares and an administration fee of around £100.