Ticketless Train Users Should Get Warning on First Offence
Transport Focus calls for a yellow card system for first-time offenders on UK trains
Transport, UK, Rail, Ticketing, Transport Focus
London: Transport Focus is pushing for a new system in the UK where first-time offenders on trains get a warning instead of a fine. They want to introduce a yellow card system to make things fairer for everyone.
The idea is to keep a record of passengers who don’t have the right ticket or railcard. This way, if they make a mistake again, it can be checked easily. It’s all about avoiding harsh penalties for small errors.
This comes after some stories in the news showed people getting prosecuted for tiny amounts, which seemed a bit over the top. It’s sparked a conversation about how rail passengers should be treated.
Sam Williamson, an engineering grad, shared his worry about getting a criminal record after he was prosecuted for a £1.90 underpayment. He didn’t even know he was using his railcard at the wrong time. Thankfully, after the media got involved, Northern dropped the case against him.
Currently, train operators use a Penalty Fares system, which can hit you with a £100 fine plus the full fare if you’re caught without a ticket. If you pay within 21 days, it drops to £50, but it’s still a hefty amount.
Transport Focus also suggested creating a digital database for railcards. This would help ticket inspectors verify if someone is eligible for a discount, especially if they forget their card or can’t show it on their phone.
They’re also advocating for better fare collection measures so passengers know they need to show a valid ticket throughout their journey. Having secure stations with proper barriers could really help too.
Natasha Grice from Transport Focus mentioned that the current ticketing system is confusing for many passengers. They want to ensure that those who make honest mistakes aren’t unfairly punished.
She believes that improving how revenue protection works could help build trust in the rail system and even boost investment in services, making travel better for everyone.
In November, the Department for Transport asked the Office of Rail and Road to review how rail fare prosecutions are handled. It’s a step towards making the system fairer for all.