“I’m Only Travelling One Stop” – The Top Ten Excuses Used By Transport Fare Dodgers

Today Translink NI Railways have revealed that in the last year there were over 90 incidents of fare evasion and decided to publish the most ridiculous excuses used by passengers who didn’t purchase tickets.

Turns out many fare dodgers were a lot more adventurous that the old favourite, "I am only travelling one stop."

UTV reported that any passenger that attempted using one of the 'top ten excuses' when caught without a valid ticket was issued with an on the spot fine and in some instances, prosecuted by Translink.

With a penalty of being found travelling without a ticket including a court appearance and fine of up to £1000 (€1,190), would you risk it on the strength of one of these excuses?

 

Top fare dodger excuses:

1. Telling the line manager, "My uncle is the line manager here".

2. "I bought a ticket earlier but I've lost it."

3. "I didn't hear the conductor asking if I needed a ticket - I was asleep/had my headphone on/was looking out the window."

4. "You are a public service and I paid my taxes, now you are looking more money."

5. "I am a part-time police officer, so I don't have to pay." (He got fined and lost his job)

6. "My brother is a solicitor and you will be in big trouble."

7. "I thought it was still 2011." (Student with an out-of-date card by 1 year)

8. "I just bought this ticket before I got on the train, your machines must be wrong." (Customer with an out-of-date ticket)

9. "There was no toilet paper in your toilet, so I had to use the ticket, that's not my fault."

10. "My Mum/Dad have paid for my ticket at the other end."