17.06.13
£240m lost through fare dodging each year
Fare dodgers are costing the railway £240m a year, new figures from the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) show.
There are an estimated 120,000 train journeys taken each day by passengers without tickets, despite train operating companies spending over £21m on installing ticket barriers and introducing random ticket checks.
David Mapp, commercial director for ATOC, said: “For the large majority of honest passengers who do pay for their ticket it is frustrating that ‘dodgy’ excuses by a selfish minority end up sucking millions of pounds out of the railways each year. That’s money train companies and passengers would rather see going back into further improving services.
“Train companies deal with fare dodgers in a fair but firm manner. Where there is a genuine reason for someone travelling without a ticket, train companies will use their discretion. Strong deterrents are in place to ensure that the majority of passengers don’t end up paying for the few who think they can always get away without having to buy a ticket.”
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