Thameslink intention to prosecute - Advice needed

[user201]

About a month ago I was making a trip from Hatfield to London Victoria. Because you can transfer from National Rail to the Underground at Finsbury Park without any barriers, I bought a ticket from Hatfield to Welham Green (the cheapest option) which got me through the gate at Hatfield. And then I tapped in at Finsbury for my underground journey. On route to Finsbury a ticket inspector was coming around so I bought a ticket from Hatfield to Finsbury when I saw him. I didn’t realise at the time that this isn’t valid. So he took my details. I told him at the time that I just forgot and didn’t realise I couldn’t buy a ticket on the train.

I now have a letter from them, which from looking at this website is the standard letter, of their intention to prosecute.

I am unsure what to say as what happened from my point of view.

I could firstly continue saying that I simply forgot but I am assuming they will be able to find out about the ticket to Welham Green. And I don’t really feel comfortable lying to them.

I would just admit that I was short-ticketing but I am worried I will be taken to court as I have done this multiple times, and they could find out about that. Should I just admit to this occasion and hope they don’t find out about the others? Admit to all of them and express I’m happy to pay any fines?

I also thought about saying I was planning to go to Welham but changed my mind on the train and then bought the ticket to Finsbury. But I feel that is very obviously a lie.

My priority is not going to court/having a criminal record etc and just paying a settlement, so any advice on how to increase my chances of that will be greatly appreciated.

And to be clear, I am of course very sorry about my actions and have certainly learned my lesson.

Thanks in advance

 

[notmyrealname]

Hi.

Could you post their letter to this thread please? It may look like a standard one but these evolve over time and the experts here need to see what you've received. Cover up your name, address and their reference number.

 

[user201]

Here, apologies

 

[notmyrealname]

The experts should be here soon to advise. I don't think they'll be suggesting that you lie about what happened on the day.

 

[WesternLancer]

Yes, don't lie about anything (as if they work that out then chances of avoiding court prosecution far less I suspect) but advice generally given is that you don't have to tell them about things they are not asking about and don't incriminate yourself - so if they are asking about one journey, confine your response to matters relating to that journey (eg 'I apologise for not having a valid ticket when I was stopped and questioned on....)

BUT - they will almost certainly investigate any on line ticket buying now to look at your ticket buying records and if they find suspicious patterns - which given what you say they are likely to do so - they may well ask you about them subsequently - but for now wait until they do ask you.

There are many cases on here involving GTR and the advice given on how to respond as well as people's draft replies that you can take a look at. @Hadders often posts a very helpful guide on how best to respond which you will find on other threads, or may get posted here before too long.

If there is something you can do now to show you have mended your ways then do it - eg buy a season or flexi season ticket for example. This is something you can do to then show them in your reply you have taken action not to evade again - which is what they want.

If they do discover wider evasion they are likely to want repayment for that in any out of court settlement you might be able to persuade them to offer - so you need to save up funds fast so that you are in a position to pay that in full and very promptly. You may wish to examine your own ticket buying records to calculate the sort of sum you have evaded in order to prepare for this. Keep that info private.

 

[Haywain]

Here, apologies

Address this issue referred to in the letter and no more but do not lie.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@user201. Welcome to the forum.

What you say does look like fairly obvious short-faring. As you're dealing with Govia Thameslink, reckon that if you engage positively with them, there's nevertheless a decent chance of negotiating/being offered a so-called "out of court settlement".

This will cost you though. Expect to pay £12.70 (the full, undiscounted Anytime Day Single fare) for each and every one way journey made between Hatfield (Herts) and Finsbury Park (and the same again for journeys on the way back).

The thing is that the train company's investigation team will straightforwardly be able to determine just how many times you've only bought tickets between Hatfield and the one stop to Welham Green, assuming that you've bought them online. Then factor in adding on a three figure sum towards their admin fees.

Others will now advise how best to reply to the letter you've received. When replying, as @WesternLancer has just mentioned, would recommend that you don't try to make out it was a mistake or a one-off incident. It wasn't.

 

[user201]

Yes, don't lie about anything (as if they work that out then chances of avoiding court prosecution far less I suspect) but advice generally given is that you don't have to tell them about things they are not asking about and don't incriminate yourself - so if they are asking about one journey, confine your response to matters relating to that journey (eg 'I apologise for not having a valid ticket when I was stopped and questioned on....)

BUT - they will almost certainly investigate any on line ticket buying now to look at your ticket buying records and if they find suspicious patterns - which given what you say they are likely to do so - they may well ask you about them subsequently - but for now wait until they do ask you.

There are many cases on here involving GTR and the advice given on how to respond as well as people's draft replies that you can take a look at. @Hadders often posts a very helpful guide on how best to respond which you will find on other threads, or may get posted here before too long.

If there is something you can do now to show you have mended your ways then do it - eg buy a season or flexi season ticket for example. This is something you can do to then show them in your reply you have taken action not to evade again - which is what they want.

If they do discover wider evasion they are likely to want repayment for that in any out of court settlement you might be able to persuade them to offer - so you need to save up funds fast so that you are in a position to pay that in full and very promptly. You may wish to examine your own ticket buying records to calculate the sort of sum you have evaded in order to prepare for this. Keep that info private.

Thank you for your response.

I’m unsure what you mean by don’t incriminate myself. You would recommend not mentioning the short faring and just apologise for not having a valid ticket?

Will it not hold any merit, coming forward with the fact I have done this previously? Maybe openly pointing out each time and offering complete repayment.

Could I possibly state how I have been paying for that route/similar routes since? Instead of purchasing a pass which I definitely don’t need.

I have seen Hadders posts and will definitely reference that, thank you.

I’m not looking to mitigate costs so if being completely open will give me the best chance, despite it potentially costing more, I would want to do that.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Aug 2024 ==

@user201. Welcome to the forum.

What you say does look like fairly obvious short-faring. As you're dealing with Govia Thameslink, reckon that if you engage positively with them, there's nevertheless a decent chance of negotiating/being offered a so-called "out of court settlement".

This will cost you though. Expect to pay £12.70 (the full, undiscounted Anytime Day Single fare) for each and every one way journey made between Hatfield (Herts) and Finsbury Park (and the same again for journeys on the way back).

The thing is that the train company's investigation team will straightforwardly be able to determine just how many times you've only bought tickets between Hatfield and the one stop to Welham Green, assuming that you've bought them online. Then factor in adding on a three figure sum towards their admin fees.

Others will now advise how best to reply to the letter you've received. When replying, as @WesternLancer has just mentioned, would recommend that you don't try to make out it was a mistake or a one-off incident. It wasn't.

Thank you for your response. I think there have been a few occasions where I have forgotten to get tickets on other lines. Would they look into this aswell? By the ticket purchases it may show I went from x to y and I’ve somehow ended up in z on the same day to get from z to w.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Aug 2024 ==

Address this issue referred to in the letter and no more but do not lie.

Thank you for your response. By the issue referred to in the letter you just mean explain the short faring for that one time? Would not mentioning others come across as withholding information/lying? (If they found out about them)

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you for your response.

I’m unsure what you mean by don’t incriminate myself. You would recommend not mentioning the short faring and just apologise for not having a valid ticket?

Yes, that's what I'm saying (but wait to see what others say) - if you admitted short faring when stopped they have that info already anyway

Will it not hold any merit, coming forward with the fact I have done this previously? Maybe openly pointing out each time and offering complete repayment.

Indeed it might - but it also gives them more to use against you in court if they decide to prosecute. I don't think that is in your interests

Could I possibly state how I have been paying for that route/similar routes since?

That might be a good thing to include

Instead of purchasing a pass which I definitely don’t need.

Yes, don't buy a season ticket if you do not need one

I have seen Hadders posts and will definitely reference that, thank you.

I’m not looking to mitigate costs so if being completely open will give me the best chance, despite it potentially costing more, I would want to do that.

Doing the right thing now is laudable IMHO. But you can allude to that in your reply with wording like 'I am keen to pay any sums owed' without specifically incriminating yourself over other journeys you are not being asked about.

Others may suggest a different approach ie 'come clean about it all now' and you can weigh that up as to what choice you want to make.

However, there is every chance they will note your other travel with short fares / suspicious tickets from your digital fingerprints so they may then ask you about that and you can then respond about that if they do. We see cases on here of train companies sending a spreadsheet of all the travel they think is undertaken without a valid ticket and asking the passenger to check this if they do not agree with it but pay it if they want to settle. That might happen as things progress.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@user201. Perhaps you might now wish to consider drafting (in your own words) a proposed response to the letter you've received from Govia Thameslink.

 

[Haywain]

Would not mentioning others come across as withholding information/lying? (If they found out about them)

No, it comes across as not mentioning them. You can't withhold information you haven't been asked about.

 

[user201]

@Mcr Warrior @WesternLancer @Haywain

I have drafted this response, but I am honestly not sure if I am approaching this correctly at all.

——————————

Dear Sir or Madam,

On the “DATE” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park without a valid ticket, as I bought it whilst on the train.

I made the awful decision to buy a ticket that only went to Welham Green in order to reduce the price of my journey. It was a deceitful and criminal act, which I now understand the seriousness of and will absolutely not be doing again.

I sincerely apologise for this happening and can assure that it is not something I will do again. I have since been travelling by tapping in and out to ensure I always am paying correctly for my journeys.

Although my actions warrant it, I would want to enquire about the possibility of not prosecuting me and kindly offering an out of court settlement to resolve things. Any travel and administrative fees I owe I am absolutely willing to pay as I am very disappointed in my actions and eager to make things right.

Thank you for your time, and I am hoping for the opportunity to discuss this further.

Sincerely, NAME

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Aug 2024 ==

A version without admitted to short faring

——————

Dear Sir or Madam,

On the “DATE” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park without a valid ticket, as I bought it whilst on the train. I sincerely apologise for this happening and can assure that it is not something I will do again. I have since been travelling by tapping in and out to ensure I always am paying correctly for my journeys.

If possible, I would want to enquire about the possibility of not prosecuting me and kindly offering an out of court settlement to resolve things. Any travel and administrative fees I owe I am absolutely willing to pay as I am very disappointed in my actions and eager to make things right.

Thank you for your time, and I am hoping for the opportunity to discuss this further.

Sincerely, xxx

—————

In both cases I am worried about asking for an out of court settlement so early as it seems maybe I am just saying anything to appease them, to avoid court. And maybe I am not regretful and will be continuing my actions (Which is not the case at all).

 

[WesternLancer]

@Mcr Warrior @WesternLancer @Haywain

I have drafted this response, but I am honestly not sure if I am approaching this correctly at all.

——————————

Dear Sir or Madam,

On the “DATE” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park without a valid ticket, as I bought it whilst on the train.

I made the awful decision to buy a ticket that only went to Welham Green in order to reduce the price of my journey. It was a deceitful and criminal act, which I now understand the seriousness of and will absolutely not be doing again.

I sincerely apologise for this happening and can assure that it is not something I will do again. I have since been travelling by tapping in and out to ensure I always am paying correctly for my journeys.

Although my actions warrant it, I would want to enquire about the possibility of not prosecuting me and kindly offering an out of court settlement to resolve things. Any travel and administrative fees I owe I am absolutely willing to pay as I am very disappointed in my actions and eager to make things right.

Thank you for your time, and I am hoping for the opportunity to discuss this further.

Sincerely, NAME

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Aug 2024 ==

A version without admitted to short faring

——————

Dear Sir or Madam,

On the “DATE” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park without a valid ticket, as I bought it whilst on the train. I sincerely apologise for this happening and can assure that it is not something I will do again. I have since been travelling by tapping in and out to ensure I always am paying correctly for my journeys.

If possible, I would want to enquire about the possibility of not prosecuting me and kindly offering an out of court settlement to resolve things. Any travel and administrative fees I owe I am absolutely willing to pay as I am very disappointed in my actions and eager to make things right.

Thank you for your time, and I am hoping for the opportunity to discuss this further.

Sincerely, xxx

—————

In both cases I am worried about asking for an out of court settlement so early as it seems maybe I am just saying anything to appease them, to avoid court. And maybe I am not regretful and will be continuing my actions (Which is not the case at all).

I think second version is better. See what others think and any amends people suggest. You are on the right track if you excuse the pun.

It’s important to ask for the settlement now. There may not be another chance. This is your key ‘ask’ and vital to make the request.

 

[user201]

I think second version is better. See what others think and any amends people suggest. You are on the right track if you excuse the pun.

It’s important to ask for the settlement now. There may not be another chance. This is your key ‘ask’ and vital to make the request.

Okay, I’ll make sure to do that, thank you for explaining.

Do you have any ideas on my chances of getting a settlement? I am extremely worried about all of this, I’m wondering what you think.

 

[WesternLancer]

Okay, I’ll make sure to do that, thank you for explaining.

Do you have any ideas on my chances of getting a settlement? I am extremely worried about all of this, I’m wondering what you think.

With GtR very good chance so long as you engage and cooperate with them as it is clear you want to do.

 

[Haywain]

@Mcr Warrior @WesternLancer @Haywain

I have drafted this response, but I am honestly not sure if I am approaching this correctly at all.

——————————

Dear Sir or Madam,

On the “DATE” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park without a valid ticket, as I bought it whilst on the train.

I made the awful decision to buy a ticket that only went to Welham Green in order to reduce the price of my journey. It was a deceitful and criminal act, which I now understand the seriousness of and will absolutely not be doing again.

I sincerely apologise for this happening and can assure that it is not something I will do again. I have since been travelling by tapping in and out to ensure I always am paying correctly for my journeys.

Although my actions warrant it, I would want to enquire about the possibility of not prosecuting me and kindly offering an out of court settlement to resolve things. Any travel and administrative fees I owe I am absolutely willing to pay as I am very disappointed in my actions and eager to make things right.

Thank you for your time, and I am hoping for the opportunity to discuss this further.

Sincerely, NAME

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Aug 2024 ==

A version without admitted to short faring

——————

Dear Sir or Madam,

On the “DATE” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park without a valid ticket, as I bought it whilst on the train. I sincerely apologise for this happening and can assure that it is not something I will do again. I have since been travelling by tapping in and out to ensure I always am paying correctly for my journeys.

If possible, I would want to enquire about the possibility of not prosecuting me and kindly offering an out of court settlement to resolve things. Any travel and administrative fees I owe I am absolutely willing to pay as I am very disappointed in my actions and eager to make things right.

Thank you for your time, and I am hoping for the opportunity to discuss this further.

Sincerely, xxx

—————

In both cases I am worried about asking for an out of court settlement so early as it seems maybe I am just saying anything to appease them, to avoid court. And maybe I am not regretful and will be continuing my actions (Which is not the case at all).

Second version, definitely.

 

[Hadders]

I also prefer the second version. Although we can't guarantee it, GTR almost always offer an out of court settlement as long as you engage with them. GTR are entitled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court if they want to.

It is possible that GTR will research your online ticket purchasing history and if they discover frequent purchases of Hatfield to Welham Green tickets then they might want to ask you about these as well. There's no need to mention the other occasions in your letter as they haven't asked you about them.

Also, do ensure your tickets are 100% valid in future as GTR will orobably prosecute if you are caught again. FOr information you can use contactless from Hatfield all the way to Victoria (note if you do this there is no need to tap in on the validator in the corridor at Finsbury Park when interchanging between National Rail and the Underground). Don't use contactless at the weekend - a traditional ticket is cheaper.

 

[user201]

I also prefer the second version. Although we can't guarantee it, GTR almost always offer an out of court settlement as long as you engage with them. GTR are entitled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court if they want to.

It is possible that GTR will research your online ticket purchasing history and if they discover frequent purchases of Hatfield to Welham Green tickets then they might want to ask you about these as well. There's no need to mention the other occasions in your letter as they haven't asked you about them.

Also, do ensure your tickets are 100% valid in future as GTR will orobably prosecute if you are caught again. FOr information you can use contactless from Hatfield all the way to Victoria (note if you do this there is no need to tap in on the validator in the corridor at Finsbury Park when interchanging between National Rail and the Underground). Don't use contactless at the weekend - a traditional ticket is cheaper.

Thank you for the information!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Aug 2024 ==

@Haywain @WesternLancer @Hadders

I will go with this if it seems okay? I am still slightly confused, because they are bound to find out about me short faring, so why not be open and clearly remorseful. Unless they aren’t bound to find out? But I trust what you guys are saying. I had it suggested to me to remove why my ticket was invalid, not sure if you guys agree with that?

Another question. My tenancy at the house I am renting is ending on the 24th of August. Say I send this tomorrow, is there any chance they send a reply before then. Or should I change where they send the letter to? (Which is another issue because I’m not 100% sure on my new address yet). And if I am changing it, should I include that in what I write below?

Thanks a lot!

———

Dear Sir or Madam,

On the “DATE” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park without a valid ticket. A ticket inspector noticed this, pointed out that it was invalid and took down my details. I sincerely apologise for this happening and can assure that it is not something I will do again. I will pay correctly for my journeys and ensure I am always travelling with a vaild ticket.

If possible, I would want to enquire about the possibility of not prosecuting me and kindly offering an out of court settlement to resolve things. Any travel and administrative fees I owe I am absolutely willing to pay as I am disappointed in myself and eager to make things right.

Once again, I am very sorry for my actions.

Sincerely, xxx

 

[MotCO]

Another question. My tenancy at the house I am renting is ending on the 24th of August. Say I send this tomorrow, is there any chance they send a reply before then. Or should I change where they send the letter to? (Which is another issue because I’m not 100% sure on my new address yet). And if I am changing it, should I include that in what I write below?

Thanks a lot!

I would advise them that you will be moving, but don't yet have a forwarding address. You can ask if they can reply by email and give an email address, or alternatively, do you have a family nember of friend who can receive any correspondence on your behalf and let you know immediately a letter is received from the train operating company.

 

[Hadders]

I will go with this if it seems okay? I am still slightly confused, because they are bound to find out about me short faring, so why not be open and clearly remorseful. Unless they aren’t bound to find out? But I trust what you guys are saying. I had it suggested to me to remove why my ticket was invalid, not sure if you guys agree with that?

You shouldn't lie but you are not required to incriminate yourself either. Their letter asks you about the specific incident on the day you were caught only. (the date is obscured on the copy of the letter you've uploaded)

If they'd mentioned the possibility of other dates then it would be wise to mention these in your reply but they haven't done this.

Another question. My tenancy at the house I am renting is ending on the 24th of August. Say I send this tomorrow, is there any chance they send a reply before then. Or should I change where they send the letter to? (Which is another issue because I’m not 100% sure on my new address yet). And if I am changing it, should I include that in what I write below?

I would mention this in your reply, the length of time it takes to get a reply does seem to vary. Sometimes it's a few days but sometimes it takes several weeks.

Whatever you do I would arrange for your post to be redirected by Royal Mail.

 

[user201]

You shouldn't lie but you are not required to incriminate yourself either. Their letter asks you about the specific incident on the day you were caught only. (the date is obscured on the copy of the letter you've uploaded)

If they'd mentioned the possibility of other dates then it would be wise to mention these in your reply but they haven't done this.


I would mention this in your reply, the length of time it takes to get a reply does seem to vary. Sometimes it's a few days but sometimes it takes several weeks.

Whatever you do I would arrange for your post to be redirected by Royal Mail.

So if I am just talking about the incident on that day, surely I should mention my ticket to Welham? As that is the truth of the situation. I’m really not very comfortable with just withholding information that they will certainly find out. It feels like a really bad look. But if you can assure it is okay to do and my response (without the address change information) is good to go. I will send it over. Thanks again

 

[Hadders]

There's nothing wrong with mentioning that you'd purchased a short ticket between Hatfield and Welham Green to get through the barriers.

 

[user201]

I’m sorry to keep bothering you all, it’s just very important that I get this right and I really value your opinions. This is what I will send if no one says otherwise.

———

Dear Govia Thameslink Railway,

On the “date” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park with a short ticket, which was not valid. I now understand the seriousness of this action, and how much damage it causes your railway, and I would like to offer my sincerest apologies. It’s inexcusable and selfish, and I can assure you it is not something I will repeat going forward. I will make sure I am always paying the correct fare for my journeys.

Although my actions warrant it, I would want to enquire about the possibility of you kindly offering me the chance to resolve this out of court. Any travel fees and administrative fees I owe, I am absolutely willing to pay as I am disappointed in myself and eager to make things right.

Also, I will be leaving my current accommodation (address) on the 24th of August. So any letters sent there, will not be received past that date. I haven’t confirmed any new accommodation yet so I would like to possibly ask if your response could be sent over email? Or if not, I will give a friends address for it to be sent to. I apologise for the inconvenience and work this will cause.

My Email:

Friends Address:

I am once again very sorry, and I await your response regarding further action.

Sincerely,

name.

 

[WesternLancer]

I’m sorry to keep bothering you all, it’s just very important that I get this right and I really value your opinions. This is what I will send if no one says otherwise.

———

Dear Govia Thameslink Railway,

On the “date” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park with a short ticket, which was not valid. I now understand the seriousness of this action, and how much damage it causes your railway, and I would like to offer my sincerest apologies. It’s inexcusable and selfish, and I can assure you it is not something I will repeat going forward. I will make sure I am always paying the correct fare for my journeys.

Although my actions warrant it, I would want to enquire about the possibility of you kindly offering me the chance to resolve this out of court. Any travel fees and administrative fees I owe, I am absolutely willing to pay as I am disappointed in myself and eager to make things right.

Also, I will be leaving my current accommodation (address) on the 24th of August. So any letters sent there, will not be received past that date. I haven’t confirmed any new accommodation yet so I would like to possibly ask if your response could be sent over email? Or if not, I will give a friends address for it to be sent to. I apologise for the inconvenience and work this will cause.

My Email:

Friends Address:

I am once again very sorry, and I await your response regarding further action.

Sincerely,

name.

Hi - it's obviously got to be your call on the content and how you phrase it (as in you are getting expert advice here from amateurs on the web as opposed to being say in a paid for arrangement with a solicitor for example) but
a) if you did want to specifically mention Welham Green in your reply - which presumably they know anyway since I assume they saw the ticket you held when stopped - you could amend this sentence to do so:

On the “date” I regrettably travelled on my journey from Hatfield to Finsbury Park with a short ticket from Welham Green to Finsbury Park, which was not valid for my full journey.

b) You are right to tell them about change of address and another contact address for you. I think there is always a risk this does not get actioned and it's most important that when you get their reply - hopefully with the settlement offer which I think has a very good chance, that you can act on it ASAP - so it's vital you get that communication, which may still come by post. If you have not heard back by a few days before you change address then i would recommend setting up a Royal Mail postal redirection - see Royal Mail website here

https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/redirection

Note that for it to start on x date you have to put it in place a few days before that date - so bear that in mind ref your move date. Should you wish to you can test if it works ok by sending yourself a letter at your old address to see if it turns up at the redirection address for you.

This does require a payment to set up but it is a small cost compared with the consequences of untangling things if you don't get the reply from the railway.

 

[user201]

Hi - it's obviously got to be your call on the content and how you phrase it (as in you are getting expert advice here from amateurs on the web as opposed to being say in a paid for arrangement with a solicitor for example) but
a) if you did want to specifically mention Welham Green in your reply - which presumably they know anyway since I assume they saw the ticket you held when stopped - you could amend this sentence to do so:



b) You are right to tell them about change of address and another contact address for you. I think there is always a risk this does not get actioned and it's most important that when you get their reply - hopefully with the settlement offer which I think has a very good chance, that you can act on it ASAP - so it's vital you get that communication, which may still come by post. If you have not heard back by a few days before you change address then i would recommend setting up a Royal Mail postal redirection - see Royal Mail website here

https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/redirection

Note that for it to start on x date you have to put it in place a few days before that date - so bear that in mind ref your move date. Should you wish to you can test if it works ok by sending yourself a letter at your old address to see if it turns up at the redirection address for you.

This does require a payment to set up but it is a small cost compared with the consequences of untangling things if you don't get the reply from the railway.

They don’t currently know that I was only paying for 1 stop to get through the gates. I bought a full ticket when I saw the ticket inspector but he said it wasn’t valid as you cannot buy a ticket whilst on the train. Which is why I’m conflicted. But I think I’d rather just be honest. I’ve seen cases on here where people have been caught for short faring (and have done it multiple times) and have just been honest about it and that managed to get them a settlement. So I am also thinking that I may aswell just tell them, if they will find out anyway.

I will make sure to do the postal redirection, thank you for the information.

 

[WesternLancer]

They don’t currently know that I was only paying for 1 stop to get through the gates. I bought a full ticket when I saw the ticket inspector but he said it wasn’t valid as you cannot buy a ticket whilst on the train. Which is why I’m conflicted. But I think I’d rather just be honest. I’ve seen cases on here where people have been caught for short faring (and have done it multiple times) and have just been honest about it and that managed to get them a settlement. So I am also thinking that I may aswell just tell them, if they will find out anyway.

I will make sure to do the postal redirection, thank you for the information.

Thanks for replying. It's clear to me at least, that you want to do the 'right thing' now so hopefully they will see this and indeed offer you a settlement. I think given what we see on these forums and your own approach to things there is a very strong chance that they will offer you one. Of course whatever happens people here will offer you more advice as and when you need it as things progress.

Good luck with it all.

As I think has been said above, once you have got this sent in - trawl through your own ticket buying records and make a private list for yourself of all the trips you think you have made without the right ticket, and sum up what that might be if they asked you for an Anytime Single fare for each and every journey where your ticket has been wrong. Then make sure you have or can get that money available for that sort of sum since this might be the basis of a settlement offer that you will need to pay. They will expect to be paid quickly and in full so you will need to be ready to do that if they offer a settlement.

 

[user201]

Hi all. I sent a reply confessing to short ticketing on that particular date and followed the usual advice for the rest of the letter. It was similar to what I sent above.

Just got a letter back, 5 days later, offering an out of court settlement which is incredibly relieving. It was the price of only 1 ticket plus £50 admin fee (as far as I'm aware). So its clear they didn't check my trainline account.

Thanks for all the help, this is an amazing forum