British train operating company East Midlands Railway (EMR) has recovered more than GBP 1.9 million from fare evaders between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle fare dodging and protect revenue.
In total, 11,798 notices were issued by EMR’s revenue protection officers and onboard staff, returning GBP 1,912,887 to the operator. Offences included travelling without a valid ticket, using a child ticket as an adult, travelling without a valid railcard, or going beyond the destination stated on a ticket.
“The vast majority of customers do the right thing and pay for their travel – they understand that a fair and sustainable railway relies on everyone contributing. Unfortunately, a small number continue to try and travel without paying. The impact of fare evasion is felt by our law-abiding, fare-paying customers and, ultimately, the taxpayer,” Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at EMR, said.
She added: “Fare evasion is a criminal offence, and we’re committed to taking action against those who deliberately avoid paying.”
EMR teams operate both in uniform and plain clothes to detect fare evasion, including instances of partial journeys without a valid ticket or misuse of child fares.
Customers are advised to purchase tickets in advance from the ticket office, ticket machines, or online, and to ensure they validate pay-as-you-go or smartcard journeys by touching in where required. When ticket offices are closed, alternative purchase options remain available before boarding.
Passengers found without a valid ticket may face a penalty fare of GBP 100, in addition to the price of a single ticket for the journey taken.
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