Northern passengers handed compensation after rail firm 'broke fare evasion rules'

Prosecutions of passengers accused of using 16-25 railcard for discounts at the wrong time of day are being withdrawn, it has emerged, in a win for consumers.

Northern users may be compensated after the rail firm broke fare evasion rules. Prosecutions of passengers accused of using 16-25 railcard for discounts at the wrong time of day are being withdrawn, it has emerged, in a win for consumers.

The train operator said on Monday all prosecutions of people accused of using a 16-25 railcard to obtain a discount at the wrong time of day were being withdrawn – with less than 25 previous cases being reviewed.

Under Northern rules, passengers with a railcard travelling on the wrong train must be offered the chance to pay back the deficit on the spot, the Telegraph reported. A Northern spokesperson said: “We understand that fares and ticketing across the railway can, at times, be difficult to understand, and we are reviewing our processes for ensuring compliance with ticket and railcard terms and conditions.

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"With regard to recent reported cases involving use of the 16-25 railcard with fares under £12 before 10am, we are withdrawing any live cases and will also look to review anyone who has been prosecuted previously on this specific issue.

“We are actively engaged with government and industry to simplify fares to help customers.” A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We expect Northern and all operators to ensure their policy on ticketing is clear and fair for passengers at all times. Northern are reviewing the details of these cases and will report back to the department.

“It is clear that ticketing is far too complicated with a labyrinth of different fares and prices, which can be confusing for passengers. That’s why we have committed to the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, including simplifying fares to make travelling by train easier.”

Sam Williamson, 22, received a letter from Northern threatening him with prosecution over a £1.90 fare discrepancy after he mistakenly used his railcard on a morning train from Manchester to London on 5 September.