Curly Fries
Member
A few months ago I took a train journey from station x to station y. I used the Trainline app to buy my £6.60 ticket and instead of the usual QR code, it gave me a booking reference which meant I had to collect the ticket at station x. Unfortunately, I did not have my debit card with me which was required to collect the ticket at the station, as I had used ApplyPay through the Trainline app.
I explained this to the guard at the gate at station x who then let me through - no questions asked. When I got to station y, they then gave me a fine as I technically was travelling without a ticket as I had been unable to pick it up from station x, despite paying for it.
Upon receiving the fine, I contested it through email and they said my case was on hold whilst they investigated. Now, 2 months later, having heard nothing from the investigation, they sent me another letter telling me the fine had increased, I have to plead guilty or not guilty in a magistrates' court, and that if I now pay the fine (admitting the guilt) or am found guilty in court, I will receive a criminal record!
I now understand that in the terms of service you should have a valid ticket, and in this case this meant printing the ticket, but surely the guard should not have let me through knowing that I would get stuck with a fine at the other end?
Can they do this? I am 22 years old and will graduate from university this time next year and I am seriously concerned about the effect that a criminal record could have on my career prospects. I am extremely stressed out and would very much appreciate some advice.
I explained this to the guard at the gate at station x who then let me through - no questions asked. When I got to station y, they then gave me a fine as I technically was travelling without a ticket as I had been unable to pick it up from station x, despite paying for it.
Upon receiving the fine, I contested it through email and they said my case was on hold whilst they investigated. Now, 2 months later, having heard nothing from the investigation, they sent me another letter telling me the fine had increased, I have to plead guilty or not guilty in a magistrates' court, and that if I now pay the fine (admitting the guilt) or am found guilty in court, I will receive a criminal record!
I now understand that in the terms of service you should have a valid ticket, and in this case this meant printing the ticket, but surely the guard should not have let me through knowing that I would get stuck with a fine at the other end?
Can they do this? I am 22 years old and will graduate from university this time next year and I am seriously concerned about the effect that a criminal record could have on my career prospects. I am extremely stressed out and would very much appreciate some advice.