Train Penalty Fare Help!

SamF9

Hi all,

I have a problem with East Mids trains, a penalty fare and a rejected appeal. I get the train everyday, but one morning forgot my wallet with my tickets in, and was then issued a penalty fare for failure to provide a ticket and to pay.

I didn't think this would be an issue and there is an appeal procedure to a so called 'independant' body, I appealed online with all these details, and receieved a letter saying

"I note that on this occasion, although a ticket/authority to travel was puchased prior to travel, production for inspection when required was not possible.

It must be stressed that the safekeeping of a ticket is the rail users responsibility.

Consequently the office is unable to uphold this appeal."

I think this is an absolute joke, i now owe them £24.80, within 21 days, and they say any time they have to contact me again they will apply £20 admin fee. I don't see how you could successfully appeal, I had the actual ticket and have sent them the tickets as well as proof. I don't see why I should pay but I don't want to rack up a huge bill!

Anyone got any advice?

Humphrey10

You didn't have a ticket with you, so you have to pay.
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/system/galleries/download/misc/NRCOC.pdf

You can get a refund (minus admin fee) for the ticket you left at home and didn't use. And if it is a season ticket you left at home, you can get a refund (minus admin fee) of the penalty fare.

thefishdude

you did not have the ticket the ticket was at home. therefore its a fare penalty in my book.

if i pre booked tickets to cinema and left them at home i would not expect tobe able to see a film and then rigt and produce me ticket 2 days later.

Livingthedream

Unfortunately, it does sound like the Penalty fare and the appeal procedure was handed correctly. You could appealing with a letter to Passenger focus, I would also send a letter back to ICRAS or whichever Appeals body rejected your appeal, stating your intent to appeal to a higher level and could they stop the 21 day countdown, this could have the knock on effect of themselves looking at you case again and perhaps coming to a better conclusion.

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

You could also post on the CAG forum as their very good at helping people with penalty fare problems, also try the RailUK forum as they might be able to help as well.