Train firms urged to give 'yellow cards' to passengers without tickets

Published On Jan 16, 2025, 8:21 AM

Train companies in England are encouraged by the rail watchdog, Transport Focus, to implement a 'yellow card' warning system for passengers caught traveling without a valid ticket, rather than imposing fines or prosecutions immediately. This move follows criticism over strict enforcement policies, particularly after cases like that of Sam Williamson, who faced legal action for a minor fare discrepancy. The proposal aims to reduce unfair punishments for innocent mistakes and addresses issues around the complexity of rail fares, which often lead to confusion among passengers. The goal is to minimize the estimated £240 million annual loss from fare evasion while ensuring fair treatment of travelers.