Train passengers face criminal record for underpaying £1.90

Train passengers face a criminal record and huge fines for underpaying £1.90.

The example came to light after a traveler posted on social media that he was being prosecuted by state operator Northern for using a rail card at the wrong time.

Sam Williamson said he used the Northern app to buy a ticket from Broadbottom, Greater Manchester, to Manchester city center last month.

The ticket is called “Anytime” – meaning there are no restrictions on when the holder can travel – but he bought it with a Bahncard discount for passengers aged 16 to 25.

Mr Williamson wrote: “As soon as I am on the train the conductor informs me that my ticket is invalid due to Railcard restrictions.

“I immediately offer to pay for a new ticket or even pay a fixed penalty if necessary.

“He says I can’t either; He has to report it and Northern can prosecute me.”

Before 10am on non-bank holiday weekdays or in July or August, his rail card can only be used if the minimum fare is £12.

Mr Williamson claimed “nowhere specifically” on the Northern app that his rail card was invalid.

On Tuesday, he received “a lovely letter from Northern Trains telling me how they planned to prosecute me,” he wrote.

He added: “I’ve emailed the revenue protection team all the information I could get, so I hope everything works out well.”

“However, I am understandably worried that a harmless mistake on a confusing and opaque rule has only saved me £1.90! – will result in a £100 fine and a criminal record.”

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Jack Fifield, senior reporter for The Bolton News, is on

These include a 26-year-old man who was fined £462.30 for underpaying £4.30 for a journey from Prescot, Merseyside, to Liverpool Lime Street.

A Northern spokesman said it was not appropriate to comment publicly on the case.

He continued: “As with all rail operators in the UK, everyone is required to purchase a valid ticket or promise-to-pay voucher before boarding the train and to be able to present it to the conductor or tax protection officer during a train.” Ticket inspection.

“The vast majority of our customers – over 96% – do just that.”