Interesting FoI about TfW revenue protection

[swaldman]

Not sure if this is the right sub-forum for this - will not be upset if it is moved.

But I thought those here might be interested in this FoI return, which suggests - unless I'm misunderstanding - that what TfW pay to Transport Investigations Ltd for revenue protection services is about 10x what they get back in fines.

Response 238 24.pdf

www.whatdotheyknow.com

Date issued: 14th of October 2024

Freedom of Information Request 238/24

You asked us…

1. How much does TfW pay yearly to Transport Investigations Ltd to employ them for
revenue protection services?

2. How much does TfW earn yearly from penalty fares and other ticket fines?

RESPONSE

Question 1

Transport for Wales pay Transport Investigations Limited £793,000 a year for providing revenue
protection services.

Question 2

Please find the TIL Fares recovery information below.

Financial Year TIL Recovery
2024
£76,513
2025 (to date) £39,888
Last 13 Periods £84,605


We hope this information is of use to you.

Yours sincerely,

Transport for Wales

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I guess one might not expect enforcement to make money, but this level of loss seems surprising?

 

[signed]

I guess one might not expect enforcement to make money, but this level of loss seems surprising?

Not as aggregious because that's mostly in house, but TfL got £1.3mn after spending £22mn.

It's much more of a detterant than a money making machine (a money making machine would be to check absolutely everyones' tickets)

 

[ainsworth74]

Not sure if this is the right sub-forum for this - will not be upset if it is moved.

But I thought those here might be interested in this FoI return, which suggests - unless I'm misunderstanding - that what TfW pay to Transport Investigations Ltd for revenue protection services is about 10x what they get back in fines.

Response 238 24.pdf

www.whatdotheyknow.com

I guess one might not expect enforcement to make money, but this level of loss seems surprising?

What a nice little earner for TiL for a pathetic rate of return. I hope Welsh taxpayers are happy chucking £800k at a private English company with, in my opinion, a dubious record in return for getting back a tenth of that expenditure in "lost" revenue. I certainly would be furious if it were me.

 

[greatkingrat]

Do those figures include out of court settlements though?

 

[185]

Agree with the above - the unseen revenue return would be the wider ticket income as a result of passengers paying knowing there are TIL revenue officers lurking around. I assume TIL must provide at least 20 full time revenue staff for that figure.

It should be in house though, no private contractor should ever be checking tickets where there is a financial incentive encouraging TIL ltd to effectively prosecute the entire train - especially for a labour run railway. Mr Skates is well aware of TIL.