Good day please assist me i was travelling margate to Greenwich , i have a 2 together rail card for me and my partner , but on option to buying ticket i mistakenly added 16-25 , i tried to explain to the officer but they just said we have to take your details and you will hear from us today i have received this , anyone to help me
-
Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
Prosecution letter
- Thread starter Mclean
- Start date
- Status
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
Islineclear3_1
Established Member
To clarify, did you buy your tickets using the 2 together railcard - or the 16-25 railcard - or both....?
No i wasnt
I used the 16-25 option instead of 2 together and i was traveling alone which is hard to justify
I'm sorry but that simply makes you someone who claimed a discount you weren't entitled to. The 2 Together Railcard is irrelevant in this case. They'll treat it as if you had no valid ticket.
And if so, did you purchase 2 adult tickets?
Just entering a similar journey into the Trainline App for today the 16-25 tickets seem to be consistently £15-£25 more expensive than the 2-together ones. So whilst technically you didn't have a valid ticket to travel, the ticket you actually purchased has provided the Train Company with more revenue than had you chosen the correct railcard option. The implied accusation in the letter that you may have defrauded them is included as standard I'm afraid.
In reality, both of you travelled without a valid ticket and the Train Company can take you to court, although they are more likely to offer a settlement of approximately £100 plus the cost of single, full fare tickets. You'd like to think that they would take into consideration the fact that you can demonstrate you actually paid more and it was an oversight by you when purchased, but they don't have to. But it may be worth saying this in your first response as you have nothing to lose.
Others may have their own opinions on this so it's best to wait for now before composing a response.
Good luck
Edit - AH, you travelled alone, making my comments above irrelevant I'm afraid, except the bit about the settlement offer you may receive.
Welcome to the forum!
I suggest you mention the following in your reply:
- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter
A slong as you haven't come to the train company's attention before I expect you'll be offered an out of court settlement costing around £150 plus the fare avoided. While this might feel like a fine technically it isn't because only a court can impose a fine as a punishment upon conviction.
Have a go at drafting something up and post it in this thread and forum members will happy to proof read it for you.
I suggest you mention the following in your reply:
- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter
A slong as you haven't come to the train company's attention before I expect you'll be offered an out of court settlement costing around £150 plus the fare avoided. While this might feel like a fine technically it isn't because only a court can impose a fine as a punishment upon conviction.
Have a go at drafting something up and post it in this thread and forum members will happy to proof read it for you.
Thank you for your help i have drafted this
Dear Thameslink Railway,
I hold a two-together railcard for joint travels with my partner. On the day of the incident, I hastily purchased a ticket, inadvertently selecting the 16-25 railcard. When the ticket inspector checked my ticket, she asked if l had a rail card and I presented the two-together railcard intended for partner travels together. However, she clarified that the railcard used for the ticket purchase was the 16-25, which she needed to verify. This revelation took me by surprise, as I was unaware of the error. Despite offering to purchase a new ticket on the spot, she declined and proceeded to collect my details.
I deeply regret this oversight and acknowledge the importance of having the correct ticket. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to both Thameslink Railway and the Revenue Protection Inspector. To rectify the situation, I am willing to cover the company's investigation costs and the fare unintentionally avoided. I humbly request your consideration in resolving this matter out of court. This experience has been a valuable lesson, and I assure you that I will consistently hold the correct ticket for all future railway travels.
Yours sincerely
Dear Thameslink Railway,
I hold a two-together railcard for joint travels with my partner. On the day of the incident, I hastily purchased a ticket, inadvertently selecting the 16-25 railcard. When the ticket inspector checked my ticket, she asked if l had a rail card and I presented the two-together railcard intended for partner travels together. However, she clarified that the railcard used for the ticket purchase was the 16-25, which she needed to verify. This revelation took me by surprise, as I was unaware of the error. Despite offering to purchase a new ticket on the spot, she declined and proceeded to collect my details.
I deeply regret this oversight and acknowledge the importance of having the correct ticket. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to both Thameslink Railway and the Revenue Protection Inspector. To rectify the situation, I am willing to cover the company's investigation costs and the fare unintentionally avoided. I humbly request your consideration in resolving this matter out of court. This experience has been a valuable lesson, and I assure you that I will consistently hold the correct ticket for all future railway travels.
Yours sincerely
Did you buy two tickets? The Two Together discount is only available for two people and only displays if you buy two tickets together.
If you travelled alone and bought one ticket then they will know you selected this discount on purpose.
WesternLancer
Established Member
- Joined
- 12 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 10,374
Hi - if you were genuinely confused then the explanation in your draft is truthful in the 1st paragraph.
But the problem you have is that a Two Together Railcard is only valid for two people travelling together (so allows a discount when purchasing two tickets, one for4 each person). I just want to check that you understand this? (or understand it now).
You say you were not travelling with your partner and only had one ticket. You applied the 16-25 Railcard discount to that one ticket but presumably you do not have a 16-25 Railcard. This is why they are investigating things, and they may not believe your explanation.
Are you aged between 16-25? If so you could get a 16-25 Railcard as well as the Two Together Railcard you already have, to use when you are travelling on your own - if it makes financial sense to do so. But that won't help if you did not own a 16-25 Railcard on this happened and you were stopped.
You might therefore want to add something like
"I am sorry that I was travelling with a Railcard Discount that I now understand I was not entitled to use and I have learned from my error."
Last edited:
superkopite
Member
- Joined
- 14 Jan 2016
- Messages
- 210
are you saying you inadvertently selected the 16-25 railcard, but you had intended to purchase a full-price, undiscounted ticket?
From what you have written, it reads like you intended to select the Two Travel Together railcard, even though it was only you travelling, which of course would have been an offence
Good Afternoon Thank you for all your contributions. I wanted to pay the full price of the ticket but when the inspector asked for a rail card l panicked in that moment and showed her the only railcard l had which was the two together. She then took the picture of the rail card saying that was not the one used to make the purchase. Which is why l need to explain the two together railcard as the inspector took a picture of that.
No i wanted to purchase a full price ticket but i dont even know how from removing the 2 together option i ended having the 16-25 discount
Last edited:
WesternLancer
Established Member
- Joined
- 12 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 10,374
OK - so I Guess explaining clearly that this happened by mistake when you tried to remove the Railcard option for your Two Together when buying your ticket will address the question (if people where were thinking of the question, you can assume people at the Railway reading your letter will think the same - so you need to help them understand what went wrong was a mistake by explaining this, and saying that it was not a deliberate attempt to evade your fare - you could even add words that specifically say that eg "I did not intend to buy a ticket with a discount I was not entitled to because I understand it is necessary to pay the correct train fare" - so long as this is true)
Last edited:
That doesn't seem like a very likely story. "My finger slipped" is as old as the hills. 16-25 is not even the top option on the railcard drop down list for booking sites.
What is more likely given the evidence, and that you showed your Two Together Railcard, is that you wished to avail of the discount you're accustomed to but could not because it was only you travelling. This will look even worse if you are aged between 16 and 25.
It's just how the investigator will see it. Bear in mind they will also potentially audit your ticket purchasing accounts to see if you have claimed that discount before, too.
WesternLancer
Established Member
- Joined
- 12 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 10,374
And I would suggest to the OP that the 'solution' to this suspicion is simply to include in the response along lines of "I apologise for having a Railcard Discount applied to which I was not entitled to" and perhaps not get into writing about the 2 Together Railcard at all.
This is probably a much more sensible way around it.
Islineclear3_1
Established Member
Yes, the 2 together railcard is completely irrelevant here because the OP travelled alone
I have written another draft. Kindly assist me in perfecting the draft. Thank you
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am responding to the letter dated January 22 concerning the incident where I failed to present the appropriate railcard while using a discounted ticket between Margate and Greenwich.
Upon reflection, I acknowledge my mistake and deeply regret my actions. I purchased the ticket using a 16-25 railcard, despite not possessing that railcard at the time. I have since obtained a 16-25 railcard to ensure such an oversight does not occur in the future.
When the inspector asked me to produce a railcard, I acted impulsively and presented the Two Together railcard, which I now recognize was an ill-considered reaction driven by fear and panic. I sincerely apologize for the inappropriate application of a railcard discount.
I am fully aware of the gravity of my actions, not only in terms of the loss of revenue for the railway but also regarding the inconvenience caused to the Revenue Protection Inspector.
This experience has taught me a valuable lesson, and I am committed to ensuring compliance with all railway regulations and consistently holding the correct ticket for all future railway travels. I deeply regret and recognize the significance of having the proper ticket, extending my apologies for any inconvenience caused to both Thameslink Railway and the Revenue Protection Inspector.
Understanding the inconvenience and costs associated with investigating this matter, I am willing to reimburse the company's investigation costs and the full fare avoided in an effort to resolve this amicably. I humbly request your consideration in resolving this matter out of court. Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Once again, I express my sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused. I hope for your understanding and willingness to consider my request for an amicable resolution.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
McLean
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am responding to the letter dated January 22 concerning the incident where I failed to present the appropriate railcard while using a discounted ticket between Margate and Greenwich.
Upon reflection, I acknowledge my mistake and deeply regret my actions. I purchased the ticket using a 16-25 railcard, despite not possessing that railcard at the time. I have since obtained a 16-25 railcard to ensure such an oversight does not occur in the future.
When the inspector asked me to produce a railcard, I acted impulsively and presented the Two Together railcard, which I now recognize was an ill-considered reaction driven by fear and panic. I sincerely apologize for the inappropriate application of a railcard discount.
I am fully aware of the gravity of my actions, not only in terms of the loss of revenue for the railway but also regarding the inconvenience caused to the Revenue Protection Inspector.
This experience has taught me a valuable lesson, and I am committed to ensuring compliance with all railway regulations and consistently holding the correct ticket for all future railway travels. I deeply regret and recognize the significance of having the proper ticket, extending my apologies for any inconvenience caused to both Thameslink Railway and the Revenue Protection Inspector.
Understanding the inconvenience and costs associated with investigating this matter, I am willing to reimburse the company's investigation costs and the full fare avoided in an effort to resolve this amicably. I humbly request your consideration in resolving this matter out of court. Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Once again, I express my sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused. I hope for your understanding and willingness to consider my request for an amicable resolution.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am responding to the letter dated January 22 concerning the incident where I failed to present the appropriate railcard while using a discounted ticket between Margate and Greenwich.
Upon reflection, I acknowledge my mistake and deeply regret my actions. I purchased the ticket using a 16-25 railcard, despite not possessing that railcard at the time. I have since obtained a 16-25 railcard to ensure such an oversight does not occur in the future.
When the inspector asked me to produce a railcard, I acted impulsively and presented the Two Together railcard, which I now recognize was an ill-considered reaction driven by fear and panic. I sincerely apologize for the inappropriate application of a railcard discount.
I am fully aware of the gravity of my actions, not only in terms of the loss of revenue for the railway but also regarding the inconvenience caused to the Revenue Protection Inspector.
This experience has taught me a valuable lesson, and I am committed to ensuring compliance with all railway regulations and consistently holding the correct ticket for all future railway travels. I deeply regret and recognize the significance of having the proper ticket, extending my apologies for any inconvenience caused to both Thameslink Railway and the Revenue Protection Inspector.
Understanding the inconvenience and costs associated with investigating this matter, I am willing to reimburse the company's investigation costs and the full fare avoided in an effort to resolve this amicably. I humbly request your consideration in resolving this matter out of court. Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Once again, I express my sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused. I hope for your understanding and willingness to consider my request for an amicable resolution.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
McLean
Good day, l have attempted another draft please assist in perfecting it. Thank you
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am responding to the letter dated January 22 concerning the incident where I failed to present the appropriate railcard while using a discounted ticket between Margate and Greenwich.
Upon reflection, I acknowledge my mistake and deeply regret my actions. I purchased the ticket using a 16-25 railcard, despite not possessing that railcard at the time. I have since obtained a 16-25 railcard to ensure such an oversight does not occur in the future.
When the inspector asked me to produce a railcard, I acted impulsively and presented the Two Together railcard, which I now recognize was an ill-considered reaction driven by fear and panic. I sincerely apologize for the inappropriate application of a railcard discount.
I am fully aware of the gravity of my actions, not only in terms of the loss of revenue for the railway but also regarding the inconvenience caused to the Revenue Protection Inspector.
This experience has taught me a valuable lesson, and I am committed to ensuring compliance with all railway regulations and consistently holding the correct ticket for all future railway travels. I deeply regret and recognize the significance of having the proper ticket, extending my apologies for any inconvenience caused to both Thameslink Railway and the Revenue Protection Inspector.
Understanding the inconvenience and costs associated with investigating this matter, I am willing to reimburse the company's investigation costs and the full fare avoided in an effort to resolve this amicably. I humbly request your consideration in resolving this matter out of court. Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Once again, I express my sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused. I hope for your understanding and willingness to consider my request for an amicable resolution.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
Last edited:
WesternLancer
Established Member
- Joined
- 12 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 10,374
Your new draft seems much improved to me, and a good move to also buy the 16-25 Railcard as it shows you have acted to ensure you can get reduced travel going forwards when you are travelling solo (but be sure to check the conditions of the Railcard so that you do not mistakenly use it on any occasions when it is not valid).
- Status