Merseyrail has brought the penalty charge for passengers travelling on its network without a valid ticket in line with other operators with an increase to £100 from today, Thursday, 13th July.

Charges under the National Penalty Fare scheme, which also includes travel on the Merseyrail network, have increased to £100, plus the cost of the full single fare for the journey travelled. If the penalty fare is paid within 21 days, the charge will be reduced to £50 plus the price of the single fare.

If a passenger travels on a train without a valid ticket but ticket-buying facilities were available at their boarding station they may be liable for a penalty fare. Ticket-buying facilities include stations with a staffed ticket office or a ticket vending machine.

If a station is unable to issue valid tickets, appropriate notices will be clearly displayed to passengers for them to pay when they reach their destination. In such cases, train staff and revenue protection officers will be aware of the circumstances.

East Midlands Railway has previously issued warnings that using a flat battery on mobile devices would not be an acceptable excuse.

In the first months of West Midlands Railway increasing the penalty charge, over 2,000 fare evaders were caught.

Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director at Merseyrail, said: “The changes to the National Penalty Fare scheme mean those people who try and avoid paying their fare, will have to pay an increased fine.

“Our customers have told us that ensuring every passenger on our network has paid the right fare for their journey is important to them and we agree. Especially when we offer some of the best value rail fares in the country.

“Few of us want to pay more for our tickets because some people don’t pay their fair share, and the loss of income due to people travelling without tickets reduces the money available to invest in a better rail service.

“If you are in doubt about what ticket to purchase, you should ask a member of staff at one of our stations. They will be happy to help and will advise you on the cheapest and best ticket option for you.

“We also have full details of all options available to passengers on our website at www.merseyrail.org/tickets-passes

“Passengers should always buy their ticket before travelling.” Full details are available at www.merseyrail.org/penaltyfares/