British train companies have been called to adopt a “Yellow Card” system for passengers traveling without a ticket instead of imposing fines or prosecuting them. This is from the rail watchdog Transport Focus which aims to create a more balanced and fair approach for passengers making genuine mistakes.
The Need for a Fairer System
Transport Focus has urged the implementation of a system that would provide a warning, akin to a “Yellow Card,” to those who travel without a valid ticket. This is in response to the growing number of cases where passengers have been subjected to lengthy and costly legal proceedings over minor errors in ticket purchases.
One of the well-known cases includes that of Sam Williamson, 22, who was threatened to be prosecuted by Northern Rail. He had inadvertently bought an invalid £3.65 ticket with the use of his 16-25 railcard where he should have paid £5.50 for the fare. The difference here was only £1.85, but he was still put at risk for prosecution. The case was made public, and Northern Rail withdrew all the live prosecutions against him.
Making Sense of the Rail Fares
Natasha Grice, Director for Rail at Transport Focus, explained that the organization has long been concerned about the complexity and confusion associated with rail fares and ticketing. She highlighted that many passengers, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the system, have trouble buying the correct ticket for their journey.
While Transport Focus is in favor of the principle that passengers should pay for their tickets, Grice said that care must be taken to ensure that honest mistakes are not penalized unfairly.
Government Review of Ticketing Practices
The Department for Transport has already dealt with these concerns in light of ordering an independent review of railway fare prosecutions and enforcement. In this regard, a DfT spokesperson stated: “We have ordered a revenue protection practice review to establish exactly what can change, and it has been said to the operators that the train policies need to be fair as well as fair and transparent enough.”
This review is expected to lead to changes in ticketing practices to prevent unnecessary legal actions against innocent passengers.
