77sj77
New Member
I have recently been issued a Penalty Fare Notice by Northern Trains for not having a ticket before my journey CFD to LDS.
On the day of travel i attempted to buy a ticket from their machine at CFD, but it would not connect to my phone for payment (the machine does not accept cash). I asked the train guard if i could purchase a ticket from him and he said he would sell me one on the train. Unfortunately he did not get to me before the journey ended (it was a short journey approx 20mins). I attempted to purchase a ticket at the destination station LDS where i was interrupted and issued a Penalty Fare Notice.
I am not a frequent train user and was not aware of the rule changes, although there was signage, but i didn't see it. Or the need to get a promise-to-pay ticket or where to get one from.
I have explained this in 3 appeals, but Northern and their supposedly independent appeals service are adamant that the Penalty Fare Notice should stand and haven't even attempted to address my reasons for appeal in their responses just point blank responses telling me i must have a ticket before travel. I believe that there were mitigating circumstances:
1. I attempted to pay 3 times and wasn't trying to dodge the fare.
2. I was allowed to board by a Northern Employee.
3. Their machine doesn't accept cash when Northern Trains list this as a valid form of payment.
Now that i have exhausted my appeals i suppose the next step would small claims court or a tribunal. Has anyone had any experience of this and have any advice or should i just bite the bullet and pay the fine?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
On the day of travel i attempted to buy a ticket from their machine at CFD, but it would not connect to my phone for payment (the machine does not accept cash). I asked the train guard if i could purchase a ticket from him and he said he would sell me one on the train. Unfortunately he did not get to me before the journey ended (it was a short journey approx 20mins). I attempted to purchase a ticket at the destination station LDS where i was interrupted and issued a Penalty Fare Notice.
I am not a frequent train user and was not aware of the rule changes, although there was signage, but i didn't see it. Or the need to get a promise-to-pay ticket or where to get one from.
I have explained this in 3 appeals, but Northern and their supposedly independent appeals service are adamant that the Penalty Fare Notice should stand and haven't even attempted to address my reasons for appeal in their responses just point blank responses telling me i must have a ticket before travel. I believe that there were mitigating circumstances:
1. I attempted to pay 3 times and wasn't trying to dodge the fare.
2. I was allowed to board by a Northern Employee.
3. Their machine doesn't accept cash when Northern Trains list this as a valid form of payment.
Now that i have exhausted my appeals i suppose the next step would small claims court or a tribunal. Has anyone had any experience of this and have any advice or should i just bite the bullet and pay the fine?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!