Rail operators to crack down on London fare dodgers

Rail operators plan to go after fare dodgers over the summer, teaming up with transport police to catch those responsible for losses said to be more than £200m each year.

It’s understood the campaign will see revenue inspectors - many assisted by British Transport Police officers - will cover all rail operators serving London and surrounds.

Two of the campaign’s major targets are smaller suburban stations, many of which lack ticket barriers, as well as the so-called “away day” criminals.

The type of criminal - so-named after a former British Rail day pass - is said to spend a day in London before taking late-night trains back to the home counties and beyond, often when the ticket barriers are unmanned and open.

In one of the largest ticket inspections so far, 20,000 tickets were checked at Euston station by revenue inspectors from Govia-owned London Midland as well as police officers, with more than £4,000 of fare dodging nabbed.

“Fare dodgers deprive the railways of about £200 million every year, money which could otherwise be invested in providing better services,” said a spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group.

“Train companies take a firm but fair approach to people who don’t pay.

“The vast majority of passengers who pay the correct fare don’t feel they should subsidise those who try to get away without paying,” he explained.