Railcard dispute with Thameslink

[nemelum24]

hello guys, I am new to the forum and I really need your input on this issue. Its my 2nd year in the UK and I live in Cambridge. Sometime last year during my studies I came across some students and they mentioned the need to buy a railcard as a means of subsidizing train fares. I went to the station with them and we all got a railcard each, I rarely leave Cambridge but once in a while I get to use the train and I always apply the 16-25 years railcard discount which was the category of railcard issued to me at the station. Honestly, I never really looked up the full details of how to maintain a Railcard because I thought it was a one-off card that you just need to have to enjoy the discount just like the Tesco cards and the rest. On 17th september I got a ticket from KingCross to Cambridge for about 20 pounds after the discount but while trying to pass through the station one of the revenue officer checked my ticket and then passed me on to another lady to show my railcard to her. While I was certain that I had a railcard I never really go out with it cos I dont often use the train so I argued with the lady that I had a railcard because she insisted that I didnt have a valid ticket. I have never had such experience before so I tried to explain but she wasn't going to listen to anything I had to say so she took my details and I left the station. When I got home the first thing I did was to look for the Railcard which I couldn't find because it was a physical card with my photo, then I looked online to really understand how the Railcard works, it was at this moment that I understood that I had argued in ignorance since this card needs to be renewed every year. I traced back to when I purchased the card and obviously the card was already outdated many months ago. I attempted to call Thameslink customer service and they said I should wait for the letter before I know what to do, I also purchased a new E-railcard that same morning just to have something to show that I am making the right steps to make up for my ignorance. Two days ago I recieved the letter titled Notice of intention to Prosecute and I have been given a chance to explain my side of the story. Firstly, I know I am already on the wrong side of this judging by everything I have read in this forum, I am going to respond to them Tomorrow(23/11/24). Any guideline as to how to draft my response will be appreciated. secondly, since there is a provision for a response at the back of the letter, does that mean that the response has to be Handwritten?

Please, this letter has been with me since the last two days so I want to make sure I send it back by Tomorrow. Kindly let me know what you think should be my best approach to this. The letter is attached for your reference

 

[Knoodlepot]

Might want to redact the Ref number as well.
Also if you are staying in the UK longer than a year put a reminder on your phone to renew it.

 

[nemelum24]

Might want to redact the Ref number as well.
Also if you are staying in the UK longer than a year put a reminder on your phone to renew it.

That's right, now that I understand this I wont let it happen again

 

[_toommm_]

I'd suggest deleting the photo, and redacting the reference number below the reply to address, and redacting your full name, then re-uploading the letter; before any forum member gives you advice.

 

[WesternLancer]

hello guys, I am new to the forum and I really need your input on this issue. Its my 2nd year in the UK and I live in Cambridge. Sometime last year during my studies I came across some students and they mentioned the need to buy a railcard as a means of subsidizing train fares. I went to the station with them and we all got a railcard each, I rarely leave Cambridge but once in a while I get to use the train and I always apply the 16-25 years railcard discount which was the category of railcard issued to me at the station. Honestly, I never really looked up the full details of how to maintain a Railcard because I thought it was a one-off card that you just need to have to enjoy the discount just like the Tesco cards and the rest. On 17th september I got a ticket from KingCross to Cambridge for about 20 pounds after the discount but while trying to pass through the station one of the revenue officer checked my ticket and then passed me on to another lady to show my railcard to her. While I was certain that I had a railcard I never really go out with it cos I dont often use the train so I argued with the lady that I had a railcard because she insisted that I didnt have a valid ticket. I have never had such experience before so I tried to explain but she wasn't going to listen to anything I had to say so she took my details and I left the station. When I got home the first thing I did was to look for the Railcard which I couldn't find because it was a physical card with my photo, then I looked online to really understand how the Railcard works, it was at this moment that I understood that I had argued in ignorance since this card needs to be renewed every year. I traced back to when I purchased the card and obviously the card was already outdated many months ago. I attempted to call Thameslink customer service and they said I should wait for the letter before I know what to do, I also purchased a new E-railcard that same morning just to have something to show that I am making the right steps to make up for my ignorance. Two days ago I recieved the letter titled Notice of intention to Prosecute and I have been given a chance to explain my side of the story. Firstly, I know I am already on the wrong side of this judging by everything I have read in this forum, I am going to respond to them Tomorrow(23/11/24). Any guideline as to how to draft my response will be appreciated. secondly, since there is a provision for a response at the back of the letter, does that mean that the response has to be Handwritten?

Please, this letter has been with me since the last two days so I want to make sure I send it back by Tomorrow. Kindly let me know what you think should be my best approach to this. The letter is attached for your reference

Don’t send your reply in a rush tomorrow. Better to get your wording right with advice from here over the weekend and post it on Monday.

See the advice on this thread post #2 on what you should draft in terms of how to approach writing your reply.

Advice needed please - Govia Thameslink Prosecution

Hi, I got caught short faring some months back but got an email from Govia for prosecution. I seriously regret my actions and it hasn't happened again since when i was stopped but i have short fared on multiple dates lot of times before that day. I will be looking at settling out of court and...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[nemelum24]

Don’t send your reply in a rush tomorrow. Better to get your wording right with advice from here over the weekend and post it on Monday.

See the advice on this thread post #2 on what you should draft in terms of how to approach writing your reply.

Advice needed please - Govia Thameslink Prosecution

Hi, I got caught short faring some months back but got an email from Govia for prosecution. I seriously regret my actions and it hasn't happened again since when i was stopped but i have short fared on multiple dates lot of times before that day. I will be looking at settling out of court and...

www.railforums.co.uk

Alright, Thank you

Might want to redact the Ref number as well.
Also if you are staying in the UK longer than a year put a reminder on your phone to renew it.

done, thanks

 

[nemelum24]

I'd suggest deleting the photo, and redacting the reference number below the reply to address, and redacting your full name, then re-uploading the letter; before any forum member gives you advice.

done, thanks

please guys, does the provided space behind this letter mean that the response should be handwritten?

hello guys, I am new to the forum and I really need your input on this issue. Its my 2nd year in the UK and I live in Cambridge. Sometime last year during my studies I came across some students and they mentioned the need to buy a railcard as a means of subsidizing train fares. I went to the station with them and we all got a railcard each, I rarely leave Cambridge but once in a while I get to use the train and I always apply the 16-25 years railcard discount which was the category of railcard issued to me at the station. Honestly, I never really looked up the full details of how to maintain a Railcard because I thought it was a one-off card that you just need to have to enjoy the discount just like the Tesco cards and the rest. On 17th september I got a ticket from KingCross to Cambridge for about 20 pounds after the discount but while trying to pass through the station one of the revenue officer checked my ticket and then passed me on to another lady to show my railcard to her. While I was certain that I had a railcard I never really go out with it cos I dont often use the train so I argued with the lady that I had a railcard because she insisted that I didnt have a valid ticket. I have never had such experience before so I tried to explain but she wasn't going to listen to anything I had to say so she took my details and I left the station. When I got home the first thing I did was to look for the Railcard which I couldn't find because it was a physical card with my photo, then I looked online to really understand how the Railcard works, it was at this moment that I understood that I had argued in ignorance since this card needs to be renewed every year. I traced back to when I purchased the card and obviously the card was already outdated many months ago. I attempted to call Thameslink customer service and they said I should wait for the letter before I know what to do, I also purchased a new E-railcard that same morning just to have something to show that I am making the right steps to make up for my ignorance. Two days ago I recieved the letter titled Notice of intention to Prosecute and I have been given a chance to explain my side of the story. Firstly, I know I am already on the wrong side of this judging by everything I have read in this forum, I am going to respond to them Tomorrow(23/11/24). Any guideline as to how to draft my response will be appreciated. secondly, since there is a provision for a response at the back of the letter, does that mean that the response has to be Handwritten?

please more feedback needed on this to enable me respond today

 

[WesternLancer]

done, thanks

please guys, does the provided space behind this letter mean that the response should be handwritten?


please more feedback needed on this to enable me respond today

Hi - only just noticed this / just appeared to view

ref replying, if you want to print a copy of your response to send it with the paperwork make sure that you write on the original document that you must return "please see attached response" in the space they want you to write something - so that they don't think you have just ignored the question if the paperwork gets separated.

Then make sure you include your name ref number and post address on the printed out enclosure so they can match it up if separated in a busy office .

Then keep copies of everything you send

then send it signed for post from a post office

Hi - only just noticed this / just appeared to view

ref replying, if you want to print a copy of your response to send it with the paperwork make sure that you write on the original document that you must return "please see attached response" in the space they want you to write something - so that they don't think you have just ignored the question if the paperwork gets separated.

Then make sure you include your name ref number and post address on the printed out enclosure so they can match it up if separated in a busy office .

Then keep copies of everything you send

then send it signed for post from a post office

ref content of the reply for that section see the general info @Hadders often posts of what you need to say - seen in various threads

whilst you should not miss the deadline for the reply detailed in the letter you have received, do not rush preparing your reply. if you have time to post your draft here so people can check it and help you get it as good as it can be.


here is an example I have copied:


I suggest a short, concise reply to GTR's letter mentioning the following points:

- 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

GTR are normally prepared to offer an out of court settlement to people who co-operate with them and who haven't come to their attention before. Expect to have to pay the cost of the fares avoided at the full Anytime rate with no credit given for the invalid tickets you did purchase plus an admin fee, typically £150. They will likely audit your online ticket purchasing history and if this indicates you have done this before they will want to factor the cost of these journeys into the settlement cost. You will need to be in a position to pay the settlement in full within a few days of it being offered - payment in installments isn't allowed.

Paying an out of court settlement might feel like paying a fine but technically it isn't - only a court can impose a fine as a punishment upon conviction so you really don't want to pay a fine! You won't have a criminal conviction if you pay an out of court settlement.

When it arrives, post a copy of the letter from GTR in this thread along with your draft reply for people to check.

 

[nemelum24]

Response to your Notice of intention to prosecute

I received your letter dated 19 November 2024 informing me of your intention to prosecute me based on the incident on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 07:52 at Cambridge station.



Firstly, I want to extend my sincere apologies for my naivety on the said day. I have always assumed that a rail card is a one-off discount card that enables customers to get subsidized fares like grocery cards (e.g., Tesco cards). Still, I was ashamed when I discovered after the incident on the 17th of September that I was wrong, and rail cards are renewed every year.



I understand that short-faring costs the rail industry a lot. When I realized my errors, my first step was to replace my old rail card after I left the station that same day. Since then, I have been meticulous in ensuring that my journey tickets are accurate and valid, and I promise to continue in this line.



I am keen to settle this matter out of court if given the chance and am willing to pay the outstanding fare and the train company’s administrative costs in handling this matter.



Thank you.



Yours sincerely,

hello guys, I am new to the forum and I really need your input on this issue. Its my 2nd year in the UK and I live in Cambridge. Sometime last year during my studies I came across some students and they mentioned the need to buy a railcard as a means of subsidizing train fares. I went to the station with them and we all got a railcard each, I rarely leave Cambridge but once in a while I get to use the train and I always apply the 16-25 years railcard discount which was the category of railcard issued to me at the station. Honestly, I never really looked up the full details of how to maintain a Railcard because I thought it was a one-off card that you just need to have to enjoy the discount just like the Tesco cards and the rest. On 17th september I got a ticket from KingCross to Cambridge for about 20 pounds after the discount but while trying to pass through the station one of the revenue officer checked my ticket and then passed me on to another lady to show my railcard to her. While I was certain that I had a railcard I never really go out with it cos I dont often use the train so I argued with the lady that I had a railcard because she insisted that I didnt have a valid ticket. I have never had such experience before so I tried to explain but she wasn't going to listen to anything I had to say so she took my details and I left the station. When I got home the first thing I did was to look for the Railcard which I couldn't find because it was a physical card with my photo, then I looked online to really understand how the Railcard works, it was at this moment that I understood that I had argued in ignorance since this card needs to be renewed every year. I traced back to when I purchased the card and obviously the card was already outdated many months ago. I attempted to call Thameslink customer service and they said I should wait for the letter before I know what to do, I also purchased a new E-railcard that same morning just to have something to show that I am making the right steps to make up for my ignorance. Two days ago I recieved the letter titled Notice of intention to Prosecute and I have been given a chance to explain my side of the story. Firstly, I know I am already on the wrong side of this judging by everything I have read in this forum, I am going to respond to them Tomorrow(23/11/24). Any guideline as to how to draft my response will be appreciated. secondly, since there is a provision for a response at the back of the letter, does that mean that the response has to be Handwritten?

this is my response draft, kindly have a look and give me your feedback as i conclude on this

 

[jeremyjh]

Have you been accused of short-faring? Short-faring is usually taken to mean only holding a ticket for part of the journey you are making. I'd avoid mentioning that term unless you're admitting to that particular offence, which seems unlikely given your original and destination.

 

[30907]

Response to your Notice of intention to prosecute

Add the reference

Firstly, I want to extend my sincere apologies for my naivety on the said day. I have always assumed that a rail card is a one-off discount card that enables customers to get subsidized fares like grocery cards (e.g., Tesco cards). Still, I was ashamed when I discovered after the incident on the 17th of September that I was wrong, and rail cards are renewed every year.

My railcards have all had an Expiry Date in a prominent place. I don't think they will find that convincing. Just apologise for failing to renew/buy the right ticket (and don't imply you've only done it the once - they may well tell you how many times they think you cheated, so be prepared).

I understand that short-faring costs the rail industry a lot.

Call it fare evasion (see post #10)

When I realized my errors, my first step was to replace my old rail card after I left the station that same day.

A sensible mitigation!

I am keen to settle this matter out of court if given the chance and am willing to pay the outstanding fare and the train company’s administrative costs in handling this matter.

That's understandable - but the question is, are GTR also keen and willing?
The answer is very likely "yes," but you need to ask them if they would kindly consider it, not tell them what you are prepared to offer.

 

[nemelum24]

Have you been accused of short-faring? Short-faring is usually taken to mean only holding a ticket for part of the journey you are making. I'd avoid mentioning that term unless you're admitting to that particular offence, which seems unlikely given your original and destination.

the issue was that i had ticket but didnt have a valid railcard that was applied to the ticket

Add the reference

My railcards have all had an Expiry Date in a prominent place. I don't think they will find that convincing. Just apologise for failing to renew/buy the right ticket (and don't imply you've only done it the once - they may well tell you how many times they think you cheated, so be prepared).

Call it fare evasion (see post #10)

A sensible mitigation!

That's understandable - but the question is, are GTR also keen and willing?
The answer is very likely "yes," but you need to ask them if they would kindly consider it, not tell them what you are prepared to offer.

all noted, thank you for the feedback. the reference and the addresses are there in the final draft