Hi all, this Sunday I was stopped in Euston Station, leaving the station, where I was asked for my Oyster Card. I have been using my brother's card sometimes (I don't really take train too often) but when I was stopped I had told them that I must've got it mixed up with my one when leaving in a hurry. They took down my details and said they will send me a letter and took the card. I am very stressed out and have heard all about the criminal record, and was wondering if anyone can provide some guidance on what to do here, what I can expect in the worst case scenario just so I can understand.
Thank you.
Welcome to the forum.
What type of card did your Brother have, was it a discounted Oyster card in any way (I presume so if they’ve stopped you)?
It is a criminal offence to use a card with a discount you are not entitled to.
TfL will get in contact with you via a letter to ask for your side of the story. It is very important you reply to this letter and include the following in your reply:
The general advice we give is that you should respond to this letter in a constructive and apologetic matter. Try to include the following in your letter
- Apologise for the incident.
- State what you have learned from the incident.
- Assure them that this will not happen again
- Offer to pay the unpaid fare, as well as their administrative costs in dealing with the matter.
Keep the letter concise and do not give a sob story. Once you have drafted a response, post it on here so we can offer advice/amendments before you send it.
Unfortunately, TfL take this sort of thing extremely seriously and rarely offer out of court settlements for this. In my opinion, it’s highly likely you will be prosecuted under the TfL byelaws.
That said, they have occasionally offered settlements before to those who constructively engage with the process, so it’s very much worth trying. Your best chance is to wait for the letter and then respond as listed above.
The letter may take up to 6 months to arrive (as this is the maximum time limit TfL have to initiate legal proceedings).