NORTHERN has issued a warning to fare evaders across its network that from today (Monday, January 23) the Government’s new £100 penalty fare comes into forcre.

Anyone caught travelling on-board one of the train operator’s 2,500 services a day without a valid ticket or ‘promise to pay’ notice will be issued with the penalty fare, which is reduced to £50 if paid within 21 days.

Since 2005, the penalty fare has been just £20, but it was felt by the industry that the figure was too low and was no longer an effective deterrent to would-be fare evaders.

As part of the Government’s public consultation, 69 per cent of respondents agreed that the £20 penalty fare was too low.

Money raised through penalty fares issued by Northern will, in-line with other revenue income streams, be re-invested in the rail industry to improve the service offered to all customers.

The £100 penalty fare forms part of The Railways (Penalty Fares) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern, said: “The overwhelming majority of our customers – upwards of 95 per cent - do the right thing and buy a ticket before they board one of our services.

“However, fare dodgers will find themselves having to dig deep if they continue to try and travel without buying a ticket.”

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