Any chance for final appeal?

Foreverex

Hi, I usually bought ticket for my next day travel after 12pm so I can pay no service charge using the Trainline app. One night I wasn't feeling well and not sure if I hit the button to complete the purchase, so when I arrived Manchester Victoria I realised I had no ticket.

I could have just got on the app and buy a ticket for next arriving train just to get out of the station. But I decided walking to one of the ticket officer (as no ticket office within the paid area) and hoping to buy a ticket just like I see people doing it other times. I was just trying to be honest.

But I was given a penalty fare of £50 and he told me to appeal it by explaining the situation I told him.

My first and second appeals have been rejected. I have explained what's happening on the day and showing my app purchasing records to show I always buy tickets for my travel. But no mercy given.

Yes my departure station has all the means to buy tickets and I didn't have something called promise to pay notice. I just thought I had purchased the ticket on app when I was half dead the night before.

Any chance or new grounds would you suggest for my final appeal?

Thanks in advance 

James_Londoner

It doesn't sound like you really have grounds for appeal.  The bottom line is you didn't have a valid ticket. 

For future reference, there are other much better ticket selling apps / services than Trainline that don't charge fees, regardless of when you buy your ticket.

TadleyBaggie

You may get some better advice in the RailUK "Disputes" forum:

https://www.railforums.co.uk/forums/disputes-prosecutions.152/

rollingmoon

Honest mistakes are something that simply don't happen according to train operating companies, so IMHO unfortunately you're screwed. What I will say, though, is never use Trainline to buy tickets. Search for fares on National Rail Enquiries, check for split fares and then buy from the operators direct - no fees.