IRCAS Penalty Fare

KH13

I boarded the wrong train from Leicester going to London. There was a minutes difference between each train. I realised my mistake once I boarded the train and the conductor asked for a valid ticket. I produced a Megatrain ticket and he informed me I was on East Midlands trains.
I was asked to pay the fare price of £70 which I did not mind. But I had no cash on me and that morning my debit card had issues with and did not work even though I had money later (I clarified with the bank later it was just an issue with the card chip). So I was unable to pay the amount. He issued I pay £140 as a penalty.
I appealed, and it was rejected.
During this time there was a death in the family and I had to go abroad for more family events. Hence trying to deal with this issue completely slipped my mind.
When I returned I was sent a notice that I know had to pay £195.

Is there anything I can do?

Livingthedream

Repost on the CAG Forum, their the best for this type of train problem, but my advice is phone the number on any letters you have received, explain your circumstances with your bereavement in the family and offer to pay the orginal £140, they might wavier the late admin fee.

If you think that your appeal was wrongly rejected then appeal to Passenger Focus, but send a copy of the appeal to ICRAS and East Midland Trains.

Passenger Focus
FREEPOST (RRRE-ETTC-LEET)
PO BOX 4257
Manchester
M60 3AR

geordieracer

Id go and post on the http://www.railforums.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=105 with full details of what happened what the guard gave you as some form of receipt for the UPFN.

It appears from the vagueness of your post that they sent a letter for payment and as you were away and didnt respond within the time frame that they ahve added on costs and so forth

KH13

OK thank you I will do

Livingthedream

I see that Old-CodJA has anwsered your post on the CAG Forum, follow his advice to the letter and you might be lucky.

Good luck.