£1000 fine for not discounted ticket without 16-25 card

iwannabe

Hi Guys,

I'm really confused and losing sleep over this, and I wonder if anyone can help me.

Basically, a few weeks ago, I travelled into London from Hatfield by bus, but missed the returning bus so I decided to take the train - and bought a discounted ticket as I have a 16-25 railcard. Well, upon reaching the station, I was stopped at the barrier, and realised I hadn't brought my railcard with me as I took the bus into London, so I was fined £20. I agreed to pay £5 of that upfront, as I could appeal against the fine.

I put in an appeal, and sent a copy of my 16-25 to demonstrate that I was entitled to getting a discount but this was rejected. Now I'm being fined an additional £15 for "wasting time"... So I "owe" them £35, even though I was entitled to that discount AND i paid £5.00 at the gate AND they are threatening to charge me £1000 if I don't pay the fine.

Do you guys think I would have a case against them if I put my foot down, and decide not to pay? (I don't have the money to pay if I wanted to).

Thanks in advance
Cyn

dmg24

You did not have your railcard with you, and therefore you were not entitled to the discounted ticket. This is clearly stated in the terms and conditions associated with the railcard.

Pay up before they start adding more costs.

moonrakerz

iwannabe wrote: »

I put in an appeal, and sent a copy of my 16-25 to demonstrate that I was entitled to getting a discount but this was rejected.

Do you guys think I would have a case against them if I put my foot down, and decide not to pay? (I don't have the money to pay if I wanted to).

Thanks in advance
Cyn

The truth of the matter is that you were NOT "entitled to getting a discount"; the rules say you must have the card on when you travel. NO card - NO entitlement !

Sorry, but you have no case; the longer you prevaricate, the more it will cost you.

iwannabe

Sorry about error in the title.


Surely though these fines are to discourage fare evaders, are they not? Why would a person with no intention of buying a ticket, hoping for a free ride be treated the same as a person who has actually paid for the journey?

chambta

iwannabe wrote: »

Sorry about error in the title.


Surely though these fines are to discourage fare evaders, are they not? Why would a person with no intention of buying a ticket, hoping for a free ride be treated the same as a person who has actually paid for the journey?

In their mind you were a fare evader.

gordikin

iwannabe wrote: »

Sorry about error in the title.


Surely though these fines are to discourage fare evaders, are they not? Why would a person with no intention of buying a ticket, hoping for a free ride be treated the same as a person who has actually paid for the journey?

You didn't have your railcard with you, so you were not entitled to the discounted ticket, therefore you hadn't actually paid for the journey.

Lube

similar thing posted before. No railcard and a fine

Rail Penalty Fare Problem! (1 2)