The Echo reported (Apr 14) rail passengers can now "shop" fare dodgers by text. Can c2c tell us what it then proposes to do?
It is difficult enough to buy a ticket with ticket offices left unmanned and ticket machines frequently out of order, but after my recent experience I am surprised anyone is buying a ticket at all.
Earlier this month I caught the 3pm Fenchurch Street to Shoebury train. When two ticket inspectors boarded they quickly identified a pair of Neanderthals who were travelling without tickets.
This was the cause of much mirth for the ticketless duo who were ejected from the train at the next station. No money was collected and no attempt was made to detain them with a view to prosecution, so presumably they just carried on laughing and hopped on the next train.
The inspectors almost immediately found another pair of passengers who seemed surprised that their Portuguese railpass or somesuch was not valid for this particular journey. They, in turn, left the train at the next station without paying a fare.
If these events illustrate the sum total of c2c's attempts to stop fraudulent travel then there is little point in any of us buying tickets. Then we can all "shop" each other and have a jolly good laugh when enjoying interrupted, but free travel.
Steve Rawlinson
Walton Road
Southend
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