Penalty fares

Penalty fares policy

To travel with us, you need a valid train ticket for your entire journey before you board, otherwise, you may need to pay a Penalty Fare.

By evading fares, it is not only unfair on paying customers, but it also stops funds being invested in improving the railway network, passenger journeys, and the service we provide.

To help eliminate fare evasion, we, and other rail operators, have a Penalty Fare scheme in place, which means you could pay a penalty if you:

  • Travel without a valid ticket
  • Can’t show an appropriate Railcard for a discounted ticket
  • Travel in First Class with a Standard Class ticket
  • Are travelling on a Child ticket, but are 16 or over
  • Travel beyond the destination on your ticket

How to buy a train ticket

There are many ways you can purchase your train ticket to ensure you do not get a Penalty Fare. You can purchase a ticket:

  • At a Station Ticket Office
  • At station Ticket Vending Machines
  • Online via our website
  • Through our free mobile app

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.

Please be aware that Permit to Travel tickets are no longer available.

How much is a Penalty Fare?

A Penalty Fare is £100, plus the price of the full single fare applicable to the intended destination on that train. If the fare is paid within 21 days, the fare will be reduced to £50, plus the price of the full single fare applicable.

What to do if you receive a Penalty Fare

If you receive a Penalty Fare, you have the option to pay the Penalty Fare on the spot. Alternatively, you can choose to:

  • Pay online at www.ircas.co.uk
  • Send the payment by post to IRCAS, Regus Building 1000, Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth, PO6 3EZ
  • Pay over the phone on 0870 067 9983

How do I appeal a Penalty Fare?

If you wish to appeal against the Penalty Fare you must do so within 21 days from the day following the date of issue, you must forward your appeal online or by post using the relevant option shown below:

  • Appeal online at www.appealservice.co.uk
  • Appeal by post to Appeals Service, Regus Building 1000, Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth, PO6 3EZ.

Your appeal should include:

  • A copy of your Penalty Fare notice.
  • Why you could not produce a valid ticket or authority to travel when requested.
  • Where you started your rail journey.
  • The time and date you were travelling.
  • Any other information or document relevant to your appeal, i.e. tickets, railcard, Oyster record.

Appeals must be in writing or online and cannot be made by telephone. You should explain why you did not produce a valid ticket or another authority to travel and provide any further information you have to support your explanation.

Penalty Fare FAQs

A 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.

Penalty Fares apply at the majority of our stations and on-board our trains.

No. 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.

If 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.

If you arrive at a station that has no ticket office, or Ticket Vending Machines available, you should, 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.

You 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.

You can purchase your ticket in advance on our website or via our free mobile app, before the commencement of your journey.

This 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.