Penalty fares frequently asked questions.
Penalty fares FAQs
What if I arrive late at the station?
What is a penalty fare?
If I am caught without a ticket, do I have to pay the full £100 plus the full single fare applicable immediately?
What if I don't pay the penalty fare within the time allowed?
What if the station has no ticket office?
What if the ticket office is closed and the Ticket Vending Machine is out of order?
Suppose the ticket machine is closed and I want to pay by credit card?
What if there’s a long queue at the ticket office?
You can purchase your ticket in advance on our website or via our free mobile app , before the commencement of your journey.
ShareA Penalty Fare is an on-the-spot fare issued to anyone who does not have a valid ticket for their journey when they have had the opportunity to purchase one. A Penalty Fare is £100 plus the price of the full single fare applicable for your intended journey. However, If it is paid within 21 days, the Penalty Fare is reduced to £50 plus the price of the full single fare applicable.
Full details of our Penalty Fare scheme can be found on our Penalty Fares page
ShareNo. If you do not wish to pay immediately your name, address and date of birth will be taken and a Penalty Fare notice will be issued to you so the payment can be made within 21 days from the day following the date of issue.
ShareIf the Penalty Fare is not paid in full within 21 days from the day following the date of issue, you may become liable to legal proceedings.
ShareIf you arrive at a station that has no ticket office, or Ticket Vending Machines available, you can purchase a ticket on our website or via our free mobile app, before the commencement of your journey. In the event you cannot purchase a ticket via any of the above ways, you must make yourself known to the conductor as soon as possible, who may be able to sell you a ticket. If not, you must purchase your ticket at the earliest opportunity.
ShareYou can purchase a ticket on our website or via our free app, before the commencement of your journey. In the event you cannot purchase a ticket via any of the above ways, you must make yourself known to the conductor as soon as possible, who may be able to sell you a ticket. If not, you must purchase your ticket at the earliest opportunity.
ShareOnline opportunities are available to purchase a travel ticket using your credit card. Revenue protection staff will call our control office to verify that there was no opportunity to purchase a ticket.
ShareThis is one of the most common reasons we hear for someone not buying a ticket who had no intention of paying. In this case, a Penalty Fare notice will normally be issued.
You can purchase a ticket in advance using our website, or via our free mobile app , before the commencement of your journey.
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