Chiltern Railways has recovered more than GBP 1 million in lost revenue throughout 2024, issuing a strong warning to fare evaders. The operator’s Economic Crime, Fraud & Prosecutions Unit reclaimed GBP 1,051,287 last year, a significant increase from the GBP 400,000 recovered in 2023.
In 2024, 8,064 cases of fare evasion were investigated across the Chiltern network. Offences included travelling without a full ticket, misuse of child fares, and improper use of railcards. Three individuals who repeatedly avoided paying the correct fare were ordered to pay between GBP 12,000 and GBP 15,000 each. Additionally, 2,156 penalty fares were issued, 149 cases led to prosecution, and GBP 114,330 was recovered in penalty fares—bringing the total recouped revenue to GBP 1,165,617.
“The vast majority of our customers pay for their tickets before they travel, but unfortunately, fare evasion continues to cost the railway significant sums each year. We are determined to ensure fairness for paying customers, and with ticket purchasing now more accessible than ever, there is no excuse for not having a valid fare. Anyone travelling without the correct ticket risks receiving a penalty fare or facing prosecution,” Tony Baxter, Operations Director at Chiltern Railways, stated.
Chiltern Railways established its Economic Crime, Fraud & Prosecutions Unit in 2019, with revenue recovery increasing significantly each year. In January 2023, the Department for Transport introduced an increased penalty fare of GBP 100 across the UK rail network.
In 2024, Chiltern Railways also launched its ‘Buy Before You Board’ campaign, featuring station posters and vinyl floor signage at ticket gates to remind passengers that travelling without a valid ticket is a criminal offence.
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