Train Ticket Dispute

teaton12

First post and not 100% sure this is in the correct thread but I will go with it.

Travelling Sheffield to Reading on cross country train in Feb and I failed to produce a ticket when requested. I had my seat reservations and collection receipt but either, forgot to pick up the ticket or they was not printed, therefore, I purchased a ticket, have proof via an invoice but the train company are attempting to take me to court or I pay a fine (they don't call it a fine and are clear on the wording) but a fine to not go to court.

I want to know my rights and if I have a leg to stand on in court?

stragglebod

You have the right to plead not guilty at court, where you will lose and be ordered to pay something which really is a fine, and much much more than the train company are asking you to pay now.

You may be able to prove you bought a ticket, but if you don't show it when asked, how does the conductor know that your mate somewhere else on the train isn't using it to get a free ride?

teaton12

My train of thought is (excuse the pun), the ticket is invalid without the seat reservation which I possessed and there are ticket barriers at Reading station so this situation isn't realistic.

LilElvis

teaton12 wrote: »

My train of thought is (excuse the pun), the ticket is invalid without the seat reservation which I possessed and there are ticket barriers at Reading station so this situation isn't realistic.

Tell them that when you go to court then.

Owain_Moneysaver

teaton12 wrote: »

My train of thought is (excuse the pun), the ticket is invalid without the seat reservation which I possessed and there are ticket barriers at Reading station so this situation isn't realistic.

But the seat reservation is not valid for travel without the ticket, and you might not have put your ticket into the barrier at Reading but kept it, then passed it back to a friend to exit.

Remember that if you go to court that means prosecution, and if convicted you will have a criminal record. That may have to be declared to current or future employers under disclosure, and may disqualify you from working in certain professions or roles.

CardinalWolsey

The offence is failing to produce the ticket for inspection when required to do so.

Have you gone through the official appeals process?

Read (thoroughly) the linked document.