Using a child ticket as a 16 year old

[Tkassem]

Today I was travelling from Horwich Parkway to Oxenholme, however I had to change at Preston. When changing I had to switch platforms so they scanned my ticket and the lady said I looked older than 15. I of course said I am 15 but have no ID to confirm. My next train was literally in 2 minutes. I asked her how long this would all take and she said about 10 minutes. So I begged her to let me go as I would miss my train and I couldn’t afford to miss that train. However before she let me go I had already given her my “name” which was a fake first name but correct middle and surname. I also gave her my old address from 2 years ago however my parents name still came up somehow. She let me go so that I won’t miss the train. That is all the information she took. I am wondering if she has fully let me go or is it that all she needs is my name and address as it seemed like their was much more questions to ask on the phone she was using. Or will she just leave them blank and still send a letter through. It will obviously then be sent to my old house. If that does happen, what’s going to happen to me.

So can someone tell me if they think she’s fully let me go and what the consequences are.

 

[father_jack]

Where did you buy your ticket ? Seeing as you say they scanned it I'd assume you bought it on the internet. If so giving the false name and address that you did will soon come unstuck and it will make them even more likely to prosecute than offer you a settlement for the underpaid fare.

 

[enyoueffsea]

Where did you buy your ticket ? Seeing as you say they scanned it I'd assume you bought it on the internet. If so giving the false name and address that you did will soon come unstuck and it will make them even more likely to prosecute than offer you a settlement for the underpaid fare.

They’re not going to prosecute a 16 year old.

Today I was travelling from Horwich Parkway to Oxenholme, however I had to change at Preston. When changing I had to switch platforms so they scanned my ticket and the lady said I looked older than 15. I of course said I am 15 but have no ID to confirm. My next train was literally in 2 minutes. I asked her how long this would all take and she said about 10 minutes. So I begged her to let me go as I would miss my train and I couldn’t afford to miss that train. However before she let me go I had already given her my “name” which was a fake first name but correct middle and surname. I also gave her my old address from 2 years ago however my parents name still came up somehow. She let me go so that I won’t miss the train. That is all the information she took. I am wondering if she has fully let me go or is it that all she needs is my name and address as it seemed like their was much more questions to ask on the phone she was using. Or will she just leave them blank and still send a letter through. It will obviously then be sent to my old house. If that does happen, what’s going to happen to me.

So can someone tell me if they think she’s fully let me go and what the consequences are.

I think the best approach is to contact the rail operator’s prosecution team and advise them in the panic you gave the previous address and incorrect first name. Ask them to update their records.

If you let people know which operator it is, they might be able to point you in the direction of the correct team.

Did you receive any paperwork from the person who stopped you?

How often have you bought a child ticket whilst being 16?

The most likely scenario is your parents will receive a letter asking for them to pay the fare you evaded as well as, potentially, some costs (anywhere up to £200). Although we have seen instances where they haven’t charged the costs for under 18s.

If you regularly use the railway, look at a 16-17 railcard.