Train operator Northern has issued advice for racegoers travelling on trains to Aintree for this week's Grand National Festival.
“Don't gamble on it” is Northern's message for travellers to Aintree for the races to be held from Thursday, 11 to Saturday, 13 April not to gamble on travelling without a ticket.
Teams of revenue protection officers will be deployed at railway stations across the region ready to intercept those taking a chance by travelling without a valid rail ticket.
The revenue protection officers will impose a penalty fare of £100 for anyone caught without a valid rail ticket or a ‘promise to pay' notice; the penalty fare will be reduced to £50 if paid within 21 days.
All major events encourage some people to think they'll get away with not buying a ticket.
Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern
In January, Northern announced that it had issued 20% fewer penalty fares in the 12 months since the fine was increased to £100.
As with other revenue income that Northern receives, it re-invests the money within the rail industry to improve services for all customers.
To make it easy for customers to purchase tickets, Northern has a larger network of digital ticket infrastructure than any other train operator in the UK.
As well as being able to purchase tickets from Northern's app or website, it also has over 600 ticket machines at stations and ticket offices across its network.
Anyone attempting to travel without a ticket will be prosecuted under the provisions of the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 and the Railway Byelaws made pursuant to the Transport Act 2000. In cases of ticket fraud, perpetrators are prosecuted under the Fraud Act 2006.
During the Grand National Festival, train services in and around Liverpool and Merseyside, especially on trains to Aintree, are expected to be busy.
Travellers need to allow extra time for their journey, and if they need assistance they should either speak to a member of station staff or contact Passenger Assist by calling 0800 138 5560.
We know from experience that all major events encourage some people to think they'll get away with not buying a ticket for their journey.
By publicising this clampdown in advance, we hope less people will ‘chance it' and end up £100 down before they even get to the racecourse.
Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern
