Am I able to getout of paying my train fine?

Question

Today I recieved a $162 fine for "not producing a valid ticket" on a Melbourne train. The thing is, I brought a ticket before my train ride, but being from the country didn't realise I also had to validate it... I thought paying for my train ride was enough! It was only when i arrived at the station and couldn't get out the gate I realised what was wrong. The lady who booked me at the station (after I showed her the TICKET I HAD BROUGHT!!) told me I probably wouldn't get a fine once the department reviewed it, but today it turned up... Has anyone had anything like this happen before? Do you think they will waive it for me? I'm not a faire evader!

Answer 1

You could try arguing that yes, you had paid for the ticket but for some reason [you were in a hurry to catch the train, the machine didn't work, you weren't feeling well and forgot, etc.] didn't get to validate it, and just hope the authorities will relent.

A similar system in use in Germany - on certain trains you not only have to pay for the ticket, but get it stamped in a machine before you get on the train.

If you don't, it's an on-the-spot fine.

What a daft system! Surely possession of the ticket is proof enough that you've paid the fare?

Answer 2

Getting a ticket in the mail is normal.  The next step is for you to write them back and say it was your first time and you honestly did know how it worked, and ask them to forgive it.  On some systems, this will work... once :)

This sort of case is a tough call for transit agencies.  Many are going to this system (called "Proof of Payment" in the States) because it saves them a fortune on labor (and prevents crime as conductors no longer handle money).  They must be harsh, because the system would fail if everyone just could plead "sorry I didn't know how it worked".  But on the other hand, they really want to promote transit and encourage new people to consider transit, so they can't be too harsh, or they'll give a very bad experience to new riders which may put them off transit permanently.  

And yes I agree the system is annoying and generally awful, as it means you have to let a train in the station go because you need to validate. Hopefully someday, they'll use RFID technology to do away with proof-of-payment.

Answer 3

Yes, the lady probably knew what she was talking about.  Go ahead and file an appeal and see what happens.

Answer 4

I would get a solicitor    They have had you money  fight it all the way

maybe involve TV  asking if the want new passengers  tobe green saving fuel leaving the car at home theyu need to make travel easy not build brick walls    

Answer 5

american answer: I never heard of such a thing. You are not jumping oveer the turnstile. you have a bought and paid for ticket. Isn't that valid enough?? Are the fxxxxxg nutsos running the crazy house??

Answer 6

maybe you should... move in with your aunty and uncle in bel-air