Train operator ScotRail has been working on reducing fare evasion across the network as the number of front-line staff has reduced due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

10,000 tickets have been confiscated over the last few months with spot checks being made by mobile teams.

There are more than 350 stations across Scotland, but only 17 of these have ticket barriers, which makes passengers think it is easy to get on and off without paying the correct fare.

However, CCTV cameras are being used to prove where they started and ended their journey.

Over 500 people have been caught and have paid up to avoid prosecution and a criminal record.

One businessman had made 53 journeys over a few months, and paid £2,300 in fares and admin fees.

British Transport Police have been assisting ScotRail staff to help crackdown on anti-social behaviour as staff ask people to pay for tickets.

Grant Whyte, a Revenue Delivery Supervisor at Glasgow Central, has seen this kind of abuse and said: “It’s unbelievable that some people are not only trying to get away with travelling for free, but are also shouting or getting physical with staff who ask them to pay for their ticket.”

“Some staff have been spat on or pushed out of the way by passengers who don’t think it’s right that they should be paying for their journey because they’ve been getting away with it for so long.”

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said: “A minority of our customers are taking advantage of the fact that due to coronavirus restrictions we are unable to put ticket inspectors on our trains or at most of our stations.”

“While most of the population is sticking to the rules, these passengers are using the cover of COVID to avoid paying for their ticket.

“Revenue on the railway is down by around 90 per cent due to the pandemic, so it’s vitally important that in order to give the best value to the taxpayer, we collect as many fares as possible.

“We have caught a number of repeat offenders and the message to anyone thinking of dodging their fare is simple. We are watching and we will catch you.”

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