Non payment of Rail Fares - UK

Question

A question was posted earlier today in this section asking how to dodge payment of fares. The asker has suggested that those of us (including me) who pointed out that this was theft should 'get off our high horses' He asked if none of us hadn't ever broken the speed limit (yes, I have, but not as a matter of continued practice) or lied on a CV (no I haven't - a very stupid thing to do for if found out it could lead to instant dismissal). The question, however, suggested a continual course of illegal conduct which could, at the worst, end up with the asker having a criminal record. Am I old fashioned in not even contemplating travelling without paying my fare? Am I old fashioned in thinking that the very asking of the question is little more than inviting other to conspire in an indictable offence - namely theft. Why should 'fare dodging' be seen as an acceptable form of conduct - which, the train companies tell us costs them millions annually in lost revenue and no doubt affects the fares that the more honest of us us have to pay.

Answer 1

I agree with you entirely, there is too much of this kind of behaviour, and I don't like it very much, we may be old fashioned, but at least we have a clear conscience.

Answer 2

I do so despair of modern society, such that it is.

What bothers me most, is that in matters such as this many people seem to be totally lacking in morals and conscience.  Even when someone gets caught red-handed fare dodging, there is no shame at all, it's as if they have just been unlucky.

Those who partake in such activity are very shortsighted indeed; a criminal record may well blight your career prospects for life, although this is no deterrent.  Perhaps a public flogging would suffice.

Answer 3

Fully agree.  It's theft.  There are those who want something for nothing.  Why should fare payers subsidise thieving b******s like the one you speak about?  Is this attitiude lack of parental guidance?  My parents taught me not to steal.  Did these people have no training in being honest?  Catch 'em, fine 'em I say!

Answer 4

Fare dodging is theft and costs the Railway Companies Millions in lost revenue.

The other users attitude sums up everything that is wrong with peoples attitudes in the UK today.

Answer 5

So what if the asker ends up having a criminal record? This is his life, not yours. I don't think it is your business to worry about anyone ending up with a criminal record, unless it is a relative of yours.

Well I don't travel without paying rail fares, but still, with all due respect, there are more important criminal offences than that one.

And yes, fare dodging is not right, but not organizing train companies correctly is even worse, since it simply means hot air will be shuttled around. Having empty trains is the worst thing to have. I know lots of examples of the latter.

Answer 6

well said.

Answer 7

With you on that one. What annoys me the most is the fact that the people who do honestly pay the proper fair without complaining (much)suffer from price hikes because of the lost revenue from the "non-payers". Fair enough if you had the intention of paying but were late and had to leg it for the train, but not to have any intention at all is just wrong in my eyes. Let them get a criminal record I say!!

Answer 8

Kids in this country have no respect anymore, the trouble is they soon become adults, they are taught that it is OK to steal and cheat and if you get caught you just blame A, Society. B, The country/ government. C, ANYONE BUT THEIR PARENTS OR THEMSELVES!!!

I have just moved out from the filth that is Greater London into the country and I get depressed when I have to go back now and again.

Anyway to your question, yes, you are old fashioned but its just a shame that more people are not of the same mind. I notice that most answers here are of the same opinion and if getting caught fare dodging gives people a problem getting a job or insurance then just maybe it might make them think twice next time, so perhaps that is one positive message to send to people who take great pleasure in eroding the very fabric of our society.

The thing that makes me laugh about a these people is that they want to break the law but if their child gets kidnapped or their house broken into, what do they do? the answer is they "Phone the Old Bill love" because they are hypocrites of the worst order. Then they criticise the results of the Police who have trouble doing their job because of idiots who do not believe in helping with information, they are too busy avoiding them because of a guilty conscience.(fare dodging springs to mind)