Using a friends travel card

[backalex]

I recently received a notice of intention to prosecute from Thames link railway (see attached letter), I’m quite worried since this has never happened to me before and I really don’t seek having a criminal record.
For the journey I was using a friends travel card (first time using it, as I’m a student I’m very tight for money) and the kind person on the gate let me through using it.
Upon the train leaving, a revenue protection officer asked to see my ticket, I showed them the staff travel card they informed me it wasn’t valid for my use and started the process of taking my information to prosecute me. Since I have a railcard and have done for the past 4-5 years I offered to pay for my fare, they understandably denied it as the train had already left.
Ideally, I’d like to avoid court and a criminal record. Would the following response to thameslink help my case?:

I was using a friends travel card which wasn’t valid for my use, I was willing to buy a ticket with my railcard (*insert railcard number*) revenue protection officer reminded me it was too late because the train had already left. I am currently a student, so money is tight. Whilst this does not excuse my behaviour, it helps explain my actions. I have since come to learn the cost actions like these have to the British railway and the severity of my doings. I am keen to settle the matter without the need for court action and will gladly pay the administrative costs my obtuse action incurred on the company.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[methecooldude]

staff travel card

Wait, your friend gave you their staff travel card for you to use? Do they want to keep their job and travel privileges? Misuse of staff travel facilities is taken VERY seriously by the Rail Delivery Group and your friend may find themselfs in hot water

 

[backalex]

Wait, your friend gave you their staff travel card for you to use? Do they want to keep their job and travel privileges? Misuse of staff travel facilities is taken VERY seriously by the Rail Delivery Group and your friend may find themselfs in hot water

They are a dependent of someone that has a staff travel card. They were just being kind trying to do me a favour in desperate times, they paid for their own fare so we thought no harm was done.

 

[AlterEgo]

Just to clarify, that’s a staff travel card, yes? And you are *not the member of staff*? And you’re the one that’s being accused of the offence on the letter, yes?

 

[methecooldude]

They are a dependent of someone that has a staff travel card. They were just being kind trying to do me a favour in desperate times, they paid for their own fare so we thought no harm was done.

That's even worse. When staff or their dependents are issued a pass, it is made PERFECTLY clear that it is ONLY for their use. The misuse now puts their parent's job at risk as well as the removal of your friends travel privileges. Your friend needs to tell whichever parent works on the railway straight away about what has happened

 

[backalex]

Just to clarify, that’s a staff travel card, yes? And you are *not the member of staff*? And you’re the one that’s being accused of the offence on the letter, yes?

Yes that’s correcta staff travel card from a young dependent of the staff member, they paid for their ticket and I used their pass- in hindsight I should have just borrowed money for my ticket.
Do you think the reply I plan on sending them is suitable for the situation and likely to avoid court?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Mar 2025 ==

That's even worse. When staff or their dependents are issued a pass, it is made PERFECTLY clear that it is ONLY for their use. The misuse now puts their parent's job at risk as well as the removal of your friends travel privileges. Your friend needs to tell whichever parent works on the railway straight away about what has happened

I understand that what we did was both wrong and stupid, neither of us were thinking straight at the time. Do you know how I could reply in a manner that would help the situation?
Thank you.

 

[methecooldude]

Just to clarify, that’s a staff travel card, yes? And you are *not the member of staff*? And you’re the one that’s being accused of the offence on the letter, yes?

I think I see where you are going with this question, and I agree...

---

Do you know how I could reply in a manner that would help the situation?

If I'm not mistaken, they are alleging the wrong offense. That *might* be valid for your friend, but certainly not for you. Therefore, any reply should include this. However...

And you’re the one that’s being accused of the offence on the letter, yes?

You didn't answer this, it's quite important

The forum experts should be along in due course with more detailed responses

 

[AlterEgo]

They are a dependent of someone that has a staff travel card. They were just being kind trying to do me a favour in desperate times, they paid for their own fare so we thought no harm was done.

...why would you do this? Sorry I'm confused.

If they were willing to pay £X for their ticket, why would they not...use their own pass...and give you the money for your ticket? Why would you need their pass?

What am I missing here?

 

[methecooldude]

...why would you do this? Sorry I'm confused.

If they were willing to pay £X for their ticket, why would they not...use their own pass...and give you the money for your ticket? Why would you need their pass?

What am I missing here?

The friend could pay for/use a PRIV which the OP wouldn't be entitled to use either, but they could.

 

[backalex]

...why would you do this? Sorry I'm confused.

If they were willing to pay £X for their ticket, why would they not...use their own pass...and give you the money for your ticket? Why would you need their pass?

What am I missing here?

We left from the same station but different routes, it was more of a panic situation because my overdraft was maxed out as my rent was taken the day prior, none of it was thought through due to our stupidity.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Could the OP advise whether they are over or under 18? While on the one hand I think they're over that age (it's unusual for people under 18 to be paying rent and to have an overdraft), on the other I think their age could make quite a difference to the railway's approach so it would be useful to be sure.

On the other points that have emerged

- I'd agree that it's important that whoever is the source of the staff travel (most likely one or other of the friend's parents) is told about this as soon as possible. That will obviously be embarrassing for the OP and their friend - but this is the sort of thing that can cause real difficulties at work for the employee. The employee needs to be warned that they may need to be talking to their managers (and their union rep) before the managers start talking to them
- although the wording on the third page of the letter seems to be aimed at the friend (as the holder of travel facilities) at this stage nothing has gone to court, so nothing needs to be formally right. So I don't see any mileage in arguing about the wording: it's fairly clear what the point of the letter is and my suggestion would be to reply to that point.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Misuse of staff travel facilities is a serious issue. If you haven't alreaady done so you need to make sure that your friends parent (who works for the railway) is made aware of what has happened without delay. I would then suggest they contact their union representative for advice.

 

[backalex]

Welcome to the forum!

Misuse of staff travel facilities is a serious issue. If you haven't alreaady done so you need to make sure that your friends parent (who works for the railway) is made aware of what has happened without delay. I would then suggest they contact their union representative for advice.

Thank you for the reply, they were informed within an hour of the initial offence. I will forward the info regarding contacting their union representing, I really appreciate that info.
What do you make of this case, I really don’t want to go to court and would feel very lucky and relieved to just get a fine +cost of ticket. Is there anything I can do/add to my reply to thameslink to boost my chance of a fine? Thank you

 

[Hadders]

Thank you for the reply, they were informed within an hour of the initial offence. I will forward the info regarding contacting their union representing, I really appreciate that info.
What do you make of this case, I really don’t want to go to court and would feel very lucky and relieved to just get a fine +cost of ticket. Is there anything I can do/add to my reply to thameslink to boost my chance of a fine? Thank you

GTR are entitled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court if they want to but they are normally reasonable to deal with. I suggest a short, concise 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

Although we cannot guarantee it they are likely to offer you an out of court settlement costing the fare avoided at the full Anytime rate plus an admin fee, typically around £150. It is important that you reply to GTR before the 14-day deadline but it might be worth waiting to see if the union rep has any suggestions on how to proceed, although I would expect them to only advise on the case from their members point of view, not yours.

Also, post up a draft of your proposed letter in this thread so that we can proof read it. You need to make sure the wording is right.

 

[furlong]

To comment further, we really need to know the exact tickets and "travelcard" involved (with prices paid) and your ages when this happened (15 or lower; 16 to 17 1/2; 17 1/2 to 18; or 18+) and whether you held any alternative discount entitlements (e.g. railcards). I.e. How much money did the railway lose overall, if anything, compared to what you'd have paid if you'd both followed the rules?

 

[backalex]

GTR are entitled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court if they want to but they are normally reasonable to deal with. I suggest a short, concise 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

Although we cannot guarantee it they are likely to offer you an out of court settlement costing the fare avoided at the full Anytime rate plus an admin fee, typically around £150. It is important that you reply to GTR before the 14-day deadline but it might be worth waiting to see if the union rep has any suggestions on how to proceed, although I would expect them to only advise on the case from their members point of view, not yours.

Also, post up a draft of your proposed letter in this thread so that we can proof read it. You need to make sure the wording is right.

Thank you very much, I will write a draft up today, appreciate this so much!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Mar 2025 ==

To comment further, we really need to know the exact tickets and "travelcard" involved (with prices paid) and your ages when this happened (15 or lower; 16 to 17 1/2; 17 1/2 to 18; or 18+) and whether you held any alternative discount entitlements (e.g. railcards). I.e. How much money did the railway lose overall, if anything, compared to what you'd have paid if you'd both followed the rules?

16-25 railcard, ticket would’ve been £8-£13 with my railcard

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Thank you very much, I will write a draft up today, appreciate this so much!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Mar 2025 ==


16-25 railcard, ticket would’ve been £8-£13 with my railcard

I know it's asking for personal information, but it could really help us if you could tell us whether you are over or under 18. That's because the railway are often reluctant to prosecute people who are under 18. So your age affects the advice we would want to give you - over 18 and it's about reducing the chances of prosecution, under 18 and it's more about minimising the money the railway will want.

Just to add in case anyone stumbles on this thread through Google and hopes for advice on this point - I am NOT saying that anyone should say that they're under 18 when they're not in the hope of avoiding prosecution: that, I think, would be a more serious offence than fare dodging and no one really wants a conviction for perverting the course of justice (or whatever the charge would be).

 

[backalex]

I know it's asking for personal information, but it could really help us if you could tell us whether you are over or under 18. That's because the railway are often reluctant to prosecute people who are under 18. So your age affects the advice we would want to give you - over 18 and it's about reducing the chances of prosecution, under 18 and it's more about minimising the money the railway will want.

Just to add in case anyone stumbles on this thread through Google and hopes for advice on this point - I am NOT saying that anyone should say that they're under 18 when they're not in the hope of avoiding prosecution: that, I think, would be a more serious offence than fare dodging and no one really wants a conviction for perverting the course of justice (or whatever the charge would be).

Thank you- Im over 18

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Mar 2025 ==

GTR are entitled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court if they want to but they are normally reasonable to deal with. I suggest a short, concise 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

Although we cannot guarantee it they are likely to offer you an out of court settlement costing the fare avoided at the full Anytime rate plus an admin fee, typically around £150. It is important that you reply to GTR before the 14-day deadline but it might be worth waiting to see if the union rep has any suggestions on how to proceed, although I would expect them to only advise on the case from their members point of view, not yours.

Also, post up a draft of your proposed letter in this thread so that we can proof read it. You need to make sure the wording is right.

Here is my draft response so far, any tips, don’t’s or overall pointers?:

I write with all my apologies and take take full responsibility for my offence. I was using a friends travel card which wasn’t valid for my use, I was willing to buy a ticket with my railcard (*insert railcard number*) which I regularly use however the revenue protection officer reminded me it was too late because the train had already left. I am currently a student, so money is tight. Whilst this does not excuse my behaviour, it helps explain my actions. I have since come to learn the cost actions like these have to the British railway and the severity of my doings. I am keen to settle the matter without the need for court action and will gladly pay the administrative costs my obtuse action incurred on the company.

*I also have bank statements showing rent being taken out (turns out it was on the day of the offence) would this be helpful for greater understanding of my offence to only go for a fine? Also I have evidence of use with my railcard prior to the offence should I mention this at all?
Thanks all

 

[Hadders]

Thank you- Im over 18

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Mar 2025 ==


Here is my draft response so far, any tips, don’t’s or overall pointers?:

I write with all my apologies and take take full responsibility for my offence. I was using a friends travel card which wasn’t valid for my use, I was willing to buy a ticket with my railcard (*insert railcard number*) which I regularly use however the revenue protection officer reminded me it was too late because the train had already left. I am currently a student, so money is tight. Whilst this does not excuse my behaviour, it helps explain my actions. I have since come to learn the cost actions like these have to the British railway and the severity of my doings. I am keen to settle the matter without the need for court action and will gladly pay the administrative costs my obtuse action incurred on the company.

*I also have bank statements showing rent being taken out (turns out it was on the day of the offence) would this be helpful for greater understanding of my offence to only go for a fine? Also I have evidence of use with my railcard prior to the offence should I mention this at all?
Thanks all

I suggest changing it a bit:

I write with all my apologies and take take full responsibility for my offence.

This is very wordy and sounds a bit insincere.

I was using a friends travel card which wasn’t valid for my use, I was willing to buy a ticket with my railcard (*insert railcard number*)

This is a bit confusing, if you were willing to purchase a ticket using your railcard (to discount the price of the ticket) why didn't you do this in the first place? Take the bit about being willing to buy a ticket out altogether along with your railcard number (that just invites them to research your account)

I am currently a student, so money is tight.

Money is tight for lots of people, that doesn't give you the right to evade rail fares. I'd take it out as it's giving excuses. You might want to consider using something like 'I made an error of judgement'.

also have bank statements showing rent being taken out (turns out it was on the day of the offence) would this be helpful for greater understanding of my offence to only go for a fine?

I doubt this will help. Again, everyone has bills they have to pay.

Also I have evidence of use with my railcard prior to the offence should I mention this at all?

I wouldn't. If anything it could be counterproductive as it shows you were aware of the correct procedure.

 

[backalex]

I suggest changing it a bit:

This is very wordy and sounds a bit insincere.


This is a bit confusing, if you were willing to purchase a ticket using your railcard (to discount the price of the ticket) why didn't you do this in the first place? Take the bit about being willing to buy a ticket out altogether along with your railcard number (that just invites them to research your account)


Money is tight for lots of people, that doesn't give you the right to evade rail fares. I'd take it out as it's giving excuses. You might want to consider using something like 'I made an error of judgement'.


I doubt this will help. Again, everyone has bills they have to pay.


I wouldn't. If anything it could be counterproductive as it shows you were aware of the correct procedure.

Thanks for the tips, will write a new draft in the coming hours,

Side note I have a good history on my railcard purchase history prior to and after the offence, is it still worth leaving it out?
Regarding the part about offering to purchase a ticket, I had maxed out my overdraft as rent was taken out that day, It just meant that I had to pay the extra money with interest on my overdraft (I could provide evidence of this but won’t if it doesn’t help my case/reasoning) regarding financial planning I am a PhD student therefore it is my full time job- not much pay in it and too much workload to have a second income hence the financial issue- again are these things worth mentioning or better to leave it out? I could provide evidence too

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Mar 2025 ==

How does this draft sound?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the notice of intention to prosecute for an incident dated (date) and I wish to explain the circumstances and request your consideration of my case.

On the day of the incident, I foolishly used a friends travel card which was not valid for my use. This was out of character for me as I own a railcard and always use it for my travel.
I deserved to get caught on my first offence because I have come to learn the cost of these actions to the British Railway.
I made a crucial error of judgement and would keenly pay any fine incurred in addition to the cost of the ticket and any administration fees thus far, in order to avoid any court proceedings.

Kindest regards,

 

[Hadders]

Thanks for the tips, will write a new draft in the coming hours,

Side note I have a good history on my railcard purchase history prior to and after the offence, is it still worth leaving it out?
Regarding the part about offering to purchase a ticket, I had maxed out my overdraft as rent was taken out that day, It just meant that I had to pay the extra money with interest on my overdraft (I could provide evidence of this but won’t if it doesn’t help my case/reasoning) regarding financial planning I am a PhD student therefore it is my full time job- not much pay in it and too much workload to have a second income hence the financial issue- again are these things worth mentioning or better to leave it out? I could provide evidence too

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Mar 2025 ==

How does this draft sound?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the notice of intention to prosecute for an incident dated (date) and I wish to explain the circumstances and request your consideration of my case.

On the day of the incident, I foolishly used a friends travel card which was not valid for my use. This was out of character for me as I own a railcard and always use it for my travel.
I deserved to get caught on my first offence because I have come to learn the cost of these actions to the British Railway.
I made a crucial error of judgement and would keenly pay any fine incurred in addition to the cost of the ticket and any administration fees thus far, in order to avoid any court proceedings.

Kindest regards,

I still think this needs some amendment:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the notice of intention to prosecute for an incident dated (date) and I wish to explain the circumstances and request your consideration of my case.

I would like to apologise for not travelling with a valid ticket. On the day of the incident, in an error of judgement, I used a friends travelcard which was not valid for my use. I now realise the impact this has on the railway and other passengers and will make sure that I make sure I hold a valid ticket when travelling in future.

I wondered if it would be possible to deal with this matter without having to go to court. I am willing to pay the cost of the outstanding fares along with your administrative costs in dealing with this case.

Yours faithfully,

 

[backalex]

I still think this needs some amendment:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the notice of intention to prosecute for an incident dated (date) and I wish to explain the circumstances and request your consideration of my case.

I would like to apologise for not travelling with a valid ticket. On the day of the incident, in an error of judgement, I used a friends travelcard which was not valid for my use. I now realise the impact this has on the railway and other passengers and will make sure that I make sure I hold a valid ticket when travelling in future.

I wondered if it would be possible to deal with this matter without having to go to court. I am willing to pay the cost of the outstanding fares along with your administrative costs in dealing with this case.

Yours faithfully,

Thank you so much for your help! Really appreciate it, silly mistake to make really, genuinely was the first time and absolutely will be the last time- hopefully they decide not to prosecute, how long after I post it should I expect to hear back? Thanks again!

 

[30907]

Thank you so much for your help! Really appreciate it, silly mistake to make really, genuinely was the first time and absolutely will be the last time- hopefully they decide not to prosecute, how long after I post it should I expect to hear back? Thanks again!

It can be months rather than weeks, so you need to be patient.