Press release from
ATOC» :
A journey is made on the rail network roughly every second by someone who hasn^t paid, train companies have revealed.
The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), which represents Britain^s train operators, estimates that around 100,000 train journeys are made every day by fare dodgers.
ATOC also estimates their actions deprive the rail network of up to ^190m a year, money which train operators could otherwise invest in improving services for passengers. It is estimated that ^190m would be enough either to:
^ Lease around 1,520 extra carriages for commuter trains a year or around 1,060 extra carriages for inter-city trains a year; or
^ Pay for the upkeep of around 380 stations for the next five years.
The analysis comes as the Department for Transport concludes a consultation on penalty fares that has gathered the views of train companies.
Safeguards are in place to ensure that people who are unable to buy a ticket are not given a penalty fare, and passengers should check with their train operator what its policies are on ticketing and fare evasion. Staff are kept fully up to date about ticket machines which may not be working and other circumstances which may prevent people from buying tickets.
Michael Roberts, ATOC Chief Executive, said: ^It is worrying that such a significant minority of people think the rules don^t apply to them. Fare dodgers^ actions suck millions of pounds out of the railways each year, money that would otherwise be going back into improving services for passengers. Train companies deal with fare dodgers in a fair but firm manner. If someone has a good reason for not having bought a ticket, inspectors will of course show discretion where possible. We need a strong deterrent to help ensure that the vast majority of passengers don^t end up paying for the few who think they can get away without buying a ticket.^
Excuses that fare dodgers have given to ticket inspectors include:
1. ^I was going to pay for today^s journey tomorrow.^
2. Adults travelling with a child^s ticket: ^I thought I was a child until I was 21.^
3. ^I left my ticket on the train.^
4. ^I left my wallet at home.^
5. ^My friend would have paid for me^. When asked where their friend is: ^Down the pub^.
