rain.x.girl
New Member
- Joined
- 18 Jun 2019
- Messages
- 2
Hi y'all sorry for another one of these posts but just had a few questions...
For reference:
I use a MCard to commute between Leeds and Huddersfield every week. A few Fridays ago I used my pass as normal during morning rush hour, possibly at the handicap gate I can't recall 100% at Leeds. I got through the barriers and got on the train to Huddersfield. I then went to use my MCard at Huddersfield and walked straight in to the barrier because I assumed it would have opened! Expecting it to just be an issue with the barrier/misread the ticket, I handed it to the railway officer who then told me that it had expired the day before. I was confused as I got through at Leeds, but asked if I could top it up then or pay for a ticket. I was then told to talk to someone from Transpennine Express revenue protection. They took my details, asking how I got through at Leeds. I said I didn't know, I just used it as normal, but it was rush hour and possibly I just followed behind someone too closely? or it was a glitch with the MCard system. That's the only thing I can think of.
Anyway I have now received the letter in the post asking me to give a statement about the events, and that it could be prosecuted.
I realise now that it's my responsibilty to make sure my pass was valid, not just relying on the barrier system and I'm sorry for my mistake and it definitely won't happen again! I rely on the trains to get to work, and appreciate they're just trying to do their jobs. I've never had any other incident and have a clean record and at this point I just want the situation resolved as quickly as possible out of court as it's anxiety inducing! I'm willing to pay the penalty fare/any admin costs.
My question are:
1. Is it best to write back explaining the above and asking if they'd be willing to settle out of courts, or it better to phone ask about settlements?
2. If you do write back, how long do they usually take to reply? I'd like to resolve ASAP.
3. How likely are they to prosecute the case as it's a first time offense? I realise no one can give any certainty but just a general feeling on it. I'd really really like to avoid going to court for obvious reasons, but also I'm going to start looking for new jobs soon and having a criminal record would be very damaging!
4. If they do offer a settlement, how much are they typically just so I can budget?
For reference:
I use a MCard to commute between Leeds and Huddersfield every week. A few Fridays ago I used my pass as normal during morning rush hour, possibly at the handicap gate I can't recall 100% at Leeds. I got through the barriers and got on the train to Huddersfield. I then went to use my MCard at Huddersfield and walked straight in to the barrier because I assumed it would have opened! Expecting it to just be an issue with the barrier/misread the ticket, I handed it to the railway officer who then told me that it had expired the day before. I was confused as I got through at Leeds, but asked if I could top it up then or pay for a ticket. I was then told to talk to someone from Transpennine Express revenue protection. They took my details, asking how I got through at Leeds. I said I didn't know, I just used it as normal, but it was rush hour and possibly I just followed behind someone too closely? or it was a glitch with the MCard system. That's the only thing I can think of.
Anyway I have now received the letter in the post asking me to give a statement about the events, and that it could be prosecuted.
I realise now that it's my responsibilty to make sure my pass was valid, not just relying on the barrier system and I'm sorry for my mistake and it definitely won't happen again! I rely on the trains to get to work, and appreciate they're just trying to do their jobs. I've never had any other incident and have a clean record and at this point I just want the situation resolved as quickly as possible out of court as it's anxiety inducing! I'm willing to pay the penalty fare/any admin costs.
My question are:
1. Is it best to write back explaining the above and asking if they'd be willing to settle out of courts, or it better to phone ask about settlements?
2. If you do write back, how long do they usually take to reply? I'd like to resolve ASAP.
3. How likely are they to prosecute the case as it's a first time offense? I realise no one can give any certainty but just a general feeling on it. I'd really really like to avoid going to court for obvious reasons, but also I'm going to start looking for new jobs soon and having a criminal record would be very damaging!
4. If they do offer a settlement, how much are they typically just so I can budget?