Train ticket fine - help!

eek_help

My OH has gone to work today and taken my season ticket. She does this from time to time - think it is pregnancy brain! She used to have one before baby and is due to get one in two weeks time (season ticket not pregnancy brain!).

On train today, there was ticket inspection and she showed my ticket. They've taken her details and issued her with a fine (which is about £8) and taken the details of my season ticket.

She's happy to pay the fine/ticket. What's likely to happen to my ticket?

Should explain that I have day off so didn't notice ticket gone and wouldn't be using it today anyway.

Feel like one or other or both of us is about to get in trouble!

:eek:

eek_help

FARE-COP

Yes, I am afraid I have to agree. Someone is likely to 'get into trouble'.

If you were not aware that your wife was using your ticket then it is unlikely that you would be charged.

It does not matter that you were not using the ticket, it is not valid for your wife to use.

The ticket should have been withdrawn (it is the property of the rail company) and should have been submitted with the inspector's report. The traveller may be charged with fare evasion

It is worth noting the judgement in the case of Browning & Floyd (1946)

'In the case of a passenger using another person's season ticket, the Railway Company may not have lost anything, but that passenger has not paid her fare and the offence is therefore committed'

If they have issued and handed to her a 'fine' notice for £8 then I suggest that she grabs that with both hands and pays up pretty sharply.

The minimum penalty fare on overground TOCs where applicable is £20.00 and on TfL it is £50.00, but reduced to £25.00 if paid within 21 days.

eek_help

Thanks.

We'd obviously want to pay the fine because it's been fairly and properly issued in the circs. No arguments there.

Would that be the end of it then?