From next Monday, 23rd January, anyone travelling on East Midlands Railway (EMR) train services without a valid ticket will be issued with a £100 fine in addition to the cost of a single ticket.

The increase from the current level of £20 is the first increase in Penalty Fares in England since 2005, and is being brought in by the Department for Transport. If paid within 21 days, the fine is reduced to £50, plus the price of the full applicable single fare.

Passengers may be charged a Penalty Fare if:

• They travel without a valid ticket;
• Are unable to produce the appropriate Railcard;
• Travel in First Class accommodation with a Standard ticket;
• Are 16 or over and are travelling on a Child Rate ticket;
• Travel beyond the destination stated on the ticket.

Passengers should buy their ticket before they travel from a ticket office, ticket machine, or online at https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/. Anyone using pay as you go or a smartcard ticket should make sure they touch in at the start of their journey as required.

If a ticket office is closed, customers can purchase a ticket before they board a train at a ticket machine or online.

Customers can appeal a Penalty Fare through a process that includes an independent panel to ensure fairness and appropriate use of the legislation.

Further information about East Midlands Railway’s fare policies are available on its website at https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/help-manage/about-us/policies/penalty-fares

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “The vast majority of our customers always buy a ticket, and they understand that for the railway to successfully operate, improve, and secure investment, fares need to be paid for.

“Sadly though, there are a minority of determined people who always look to evade paying or look for ways to work the system.

“Following direction from the Department for Transport and in line with other train operators, EMR will be increasing Penalty Fares. By doing so, we hope to provide a proper deterrent to those intent on travelling without a ticket.”