Received NIP letter - I made a mistake and really need help.

[thisismyfirst]

I regret having to ask this forum for help like this, but I would really appreciate anyone who can guide me in understanding how to respond to this letter I received.
I received an NIP following an incident on the 4th May which myself and my friend purchased our tickets on Trainline from a station later than the station we boarded.
It was a stupid decision which we had (genuinely) never done before, we hardly ever travel by train and regretted it the moment we had did it.
We were stopped by a 'railway revenue protection staff' where we told the truth and offered to purchase the difference due to our lapse in judgement.

The letter I received is below, I am sure my friend will receive the same letter.
Using advise on this forum, I have drafted the below, and would appreciate any advice on how to proceed?
I plan to email, send a letter (recorded delivery), and try to call to speak to someone regarding the case.

---

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for my actions that led to the incident of fare evasion on 04 May 2024.

I fully recognise the seriousness of this matter and acknowledge that fare evasion constitutes a criminal offence. I deeply regret my actions, as they were a result of poor judgement.

I understand the significant public interest argument against fare evasion, as it directly impacts the financial resources of the public transportation system. I am aware that fare evasion costs taxpayers millions of pounds annually, and I accept responsibility for my contribution to this issue.

I do not often travel by train, but in response to this incident, I have taken immediate measures to ensure that such actions are not repeated, ensuring that I pay the correct fares for all journeys that I take. I am committed to upholding the regulations and standards set by Chiltern Railways and will continue to comply with all fare policies.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude if you were to agree to resolve this matter and avoid any further legal proceedings. I would like to please request for the chance of an out-of-court settlement. As such, I am prepared to pay all costs associated with the case, including the outstanding fares in full, along with any administrative costs incurred as a result of this incident.

Please note, that I can provide all information related to previous purchase history on my Trainline app account to help with further investigations required, as stated in the letter.

I sincerely hope that you will consider my remorse and proactive efforts to rectify the situation. I assure you that this incident was an isolated lapse in judgement, and I am fully committed to maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations in future.

Once again, I extend my deepest apologies for any inconvenience or disruption caused by my actions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in resolving this matter promptly.

---

Is this draft enough as a response to the below? Is there anything else I can do or say to help demonstrate how sorry I am regarding this issue?
Thank you to anyone who provides support.

 

[Gloster]

I regret having to ask this forum for help like this, but I would really appreciate anyone who can guide me in understanding how to respond to this letter I received.
I received an NIP following an incident on the 4th May which myself and my friend purchased our tickets on Trainline from a station later than the station we boarded.
It was a stupid decision which we had (genuinely) never done before, we hardly ever travel by train and regretted it the moment we had did it.
We were stopped by a 'railway revenue protection staff' where we told the truth and offered to purchase the difference due to our lapse in judgement.

The letter I received is below, I am sure my friend will receive the same letter.
Using advise on this forum, I have drafted the below, and would appreciate any advice on how to proceed?
I plan to email, send a letter (recorded delivery), and try to call to speak to someone regarding the case.

---

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for my actions that led to the incident of fare evasion on 04 May 2024.

I fully recognise the seriousness of this matter and acknowledge that fare evasion constitutes a criminal offence. I deeply regret my actions, as they were a result of poor judgement.

I understand the significant public interest argument against fare evasion, as it directly impacts the financial resources of the public transportation system. I am aware that fare evasion costs taxpayers millions of pounds annually, and I accept responsibility for my contribution to this issue.

I do not often travel by train, but in response to this incident, I have taken immediate measures to ensure that such actions are not repeated, ensuring that I pay the correct fares for all journeys that I take. I am committed to upholding the regulations and standards set by Chiltern Railways and will continue to comply with all fare policies.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude if you were to agree to resolve this matter and avoid any further legal proceedings. I would like to please request for the chance of an out-of-court settlement. As such, I am prepared to pay all costs associated with the case, including the outstanding fares in full, along with any administrative costs incurred as a result of this incident.

Please note, that I can provide all information related to previous purchase history on my Trainline app account to help with further investigations required, as stated in the letter.

I sincerely hope that you will consider my remorse and proactive efforts to rectify the situation. I assure you that this incident was an isolated lapse in judgement, and I am fully committed to maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations in future.

Once again, I extend my deepest apologies for any inconvenience or disruption caused by my actions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in resolving this matter promptly.

---

Is this draft enough as a response to the below? Is there anything else I can do or say to help demonstrate how sorry I am regarding this issue?
Thank you to anyone who provides support.

The place names are still visible.

 

[ikcdab]

Perhaps a little bit flowery and over the top, but you have covered all the bases. So I guess it's ok.

 

[notmyrealname]

I agree with ikcdab, I think the letter could be shortened and still say the same things.

 

[30907]

Some suggestions on how to abbreviate this, with comments. I rather detect the help of AI here, apologies if I am maligning your usual style

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for my actions that led to the incident of fare evasion on 04 May 2024.

I fully recognise the seriousness of this matter and acknowledge that fare evasion constitutes a criminal offence. I deeply regret my actions, as they were a result of poor judgement.
I understand the significant public interest argument against fare evasion, as it directly impacts the financial resources of the public transportation system. I am aware that fare evasion costs taxpayers millions of pounds annually, and I accept responsibility for my contribution to this issue.

Just admit you were morally in the wrong!

I do not often travel by train, but in response to this incident, I have taken immediate measures to ensure that such actions are not repeated, ensuring that I pay the correct fares for all journeys that I take.

Comment: this suggests you have evaded fares before.

I am committed to upholding the regulations and standards set by Chiltern Railways and will continue to comply with all fare policies.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude if you were to agree to resolve this matter and avoid any further legal proceedings. I would like to please request for the chance of an out-of-court settlement. As such, I am prepared to pay all costs associated with the case, including the outstanding fares in full, along with any administrative costs incurred as a result of this incident.

Please note, that I can provide all information related to previous purchase history on my Trainline app account to help with further investigations required, as stated in the letter.

Comment: the letter doesn't mention further investigations - no need to make a confession here

I sincerely hope that you will consider my remorse and proactive efforts to rectify the situation.

What efforts?

I assure you that this incident was an isolated lapse in judgement, and I am fully committed to maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations in future.

Once again, I extend my deepest apologies for any inconvenience or disruption caused by my actions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in resolving this matter promptly.

Sounds if you are apologising for a broken down train! Apologising for what you did would be better.

Hope that helps, and isn't too brutal

 

[thisismyfirst]

Hello everyone, thank you for your support and replies. It means a lot.
Here is the draft below based on your recommendations, will this be enough? Do I need to include more information about the incident? i.e "I made an error in purchasing the wrong ticket following the station boarded?"

---

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for my actions that led to the incident of fare evasion on 04 May 2024.

I fully recognise the seriousness of this matter and acknowledge that fare evasion constitutes a criminal offence. I deeply regret my actions, I understand that fare evasion costs taxpayers millions of pounds annually, and I accept responsibility for my contribution to this issue.

I am committed to upholding the regulations and standards set by Chiltern Railways and will sincerely comply with all fare policies.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude if you were to agree to resolve this matter and avoid any further legal proceedings. I would like to please request for the chance of an out-of-court settlement. As such, I am prepared to pay all costs associated with the case, including the outstanding fares in full, along with any administrative costs incurred as a result of this incident.

I sincerely hope that you will consider my remorse. I assure you that this incident was an isolated lapse in judgement, and I am fully committed to maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations in future.

Once again, I extend my deepest apologies. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in resolving this matter promptly.

---

I cannot thank you all enough, this has caused a lot of stress and anguish on my part as I have never been in a situation like this before.

 

[MrJeeves]

I think this is fine. I'd personally just bin off the last paragraph, though. It doesn't really add anything of value to the letter in my opinion.

 

[antharro]

All good except for two lines:

First:

As such, I am prepared to pay all costs associated with the case, including the outstanding fares in full, along with any administrative costs incurred as a result of this incident.

The way I see it is that it's not your position to tell them what you're prepared or not prepared to pay. If they offer you an out of court settlement then there won't be any discussion as to the amount or what you're prepared to pay or not. You pay the amount they offer or you go to court, simple as. Therefore, I'd suggest:

As such, I would like to offer to pay whatever amount Chiltern proposes to settle this incident.


Second, bin that last line.

 

[John R]

I am committed to upholding the regulations and standards set by Chiltern Railways and will sincerely comply with all fare policies.

This is straight out of the AI textbook, and it far too overblown. How about:-

In future I promise to ensure that I purchase the correct ticket for my journey and to have it ready for inspection at all stages of my journey.

 

[thisismyfirst]

Thank you all, your suggestions are all a great help. The new draft is below.

Does anyone think that I need to include more infomation about the incident? i.e "I made an error in purchasing the wrong ticket following the station boarded?"

---

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for my actions that led to the incident of fare evasion on 04 May 2024.

I fully recognise the seriousness of this matter and acknowledge that fare evasion constitutes a criminal offence. I deeply regret my actions, I understand that fare evasion costs taxpayers millions of pounds annually, and I accept responsibility for my contribution to this issue.

In future I promise to ensure that I purchase the correct ticket for my journey and to have it ready for inspection at all stages of travel.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude if you were to agree to resolve this matter and avoid any further legal proceedings. I would like to please request for the chance of an out-of-court settlement. As such, I would like to offer to pay whatever amount Chiltern proposes to settle this incident.

I sincerely hope that you will consider my remorse. I assure you that this incident was an isolated lapse in judgement, and I am fully committed to maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations in future.

Sincerely,

---

 

[Haywain]

In future I promise to ensure that I purchase the correct ticket for my journey and to have it ready for inspection at all stages of travel.

Just take this out, it serves no useful purpose.

I sincerely hope that you will consider my remorse. I assure you that this incident was an isolated lapse in judgement, and I am fully committed to maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations in future.

Do you talk like this? I very much doubt it. Keep it simple by saying sorry and it won't happen again.

 

[30907]

Does anyone think that I need to include more infomation about the incident? i.e "I made an error in purchasing the wrong ticket following the station boarded?"

No. It is unnecessary.

(Also I wouldn't call it an error, it was intentional. Others may disagree, but the person reading it may think you are downplaying the incident.)

 

[thisismyfirst]

Hello everyone, a sincere thank you for your support on this matter. This forum is incredibly valuable to those who have found themselves in situations that are incredibly difficult and stressful.
Here is my final draft, I will be sending it tomorrow by both email and special delivery. I will keep you posted on the feedback which I can only hope is the lesser of the two outcomes.
Thank you all again.

---

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for my actions that led to the incident of fare evasion on 04 May 2024.

I fully recognise the seriousness of this matter and acknowledge that fare evasion constitutes a criminal offence. I deeply regret my actions, I understand that fare evasion costs taxpayers millions of pounds annually, and I accept responsibility for my contribution to this issue.

In future, I promise to ensure that I purchase the correct ticket for my journey and to have it ready for inspection at all stages of my journey.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude if you were to agree to resolve this matter and avoid any further legal proceedings. I would like to please request for the chance of an out-of-court settlement. As such, I would like to offer to pay whatever amount Chiltern proposes to settle this incident.

I want to express how sorry I truly am. I assure you that this incident was an isolated lapse in judgment, and I am fully committed to ensuring I purchase the correct ticket in the future so that this never happens again.

Yours sincerely,

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