Rail passengers CAN still buy ticket on train
NORTHERN Rail have clarified their new policy to fine passengers who do not buy train tickets after a mix-up sparked fury.
The operator, which runs services across Greater Manchester and long-distance routes linking major northern cities, is introducing new fines of £20 – or double the ticket price – for passengers who arrive at their destination without a ticket.
It had mistakenly been reported passengers would have to prove to train conductors they had tried to buy a ticket before boarding to be issued with one – or face a fine on arrival.
However, a Northern spokesman has since clarified that in fact all passengers WILL still be able to buy tickets on board - despite the campaign being called ‘Buy Before You Board.’
The only difference will be that those passengers who cannot prove they tried to buy a ticket before boarding will not be able to get a cheaper-rate ticket and will have to buy a standard one.
Meanwhile, those passengers who can prove they tried but, for example, were foiled by a broken ticket machine, will be able to purchase the full range of fares on board.
Those paying with cash not accepted at ticket machines - will need to collect a ‘promise to pay slip’ from a machine to qualify for the cheapest tickets available. Those passengers arriving at their destination without a ticket will be fined by ‘collectors.’
Following original report, a Northern spokesman said: “Conductors on the penalty fare routes will still be able to issue standard tickets to customers as they do presently.
“Ticket checks will only take place at stations and it is only at this point that customers may be issued with penalty fares.
“Our authorised collectors will exercise discretion when issuing penalty fares and will be able to check whether ticket machines are out of order – as well as when ticket offices are closed. If queues are too long for customers to wait to purchase a ticket before boarding a train, this should be explained to the collectors who will, again, use discretion to determine whether a penalty fare should be issued.
“If a penalty is issued, the customer can appeal – using a tried and tested independent process – and Northern will investigate checking CCTV etc to corroborate the customer’s account.”