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Original poster

Travelling without a train ticket, what will happen?

39 replies

JohnSmithDrive · 29/12/2021 12:18

Due in London for a 1pm meeting.

Arrived at local station in good time for the train only to find 2/3 ticket machines are out of order and the ticket office is closed. The man reading the paper behind the counter said he didn't know what would happen if I try to buy at the other end. No exaggeration there were 50 people queuing for the one machine and that queue moves slowly at the best of times.

So, I got on the train and have bought a ticket on line, for collection at the London Station, but I need to get through the ticket barrier first. Although I have purchased a ticket, I technically don't have a ticket ....

OP posts:
Notwithittoday · 29/12/2021 12:19

Don’t worry about it

NotAnotherPushyMum · 29/12/2021 12:20

Wasn’t there an option for an E-ticket? Most train companies use these now.

LagganBubble · 29/12/2021 12:20

Could you not get the ticket via email so that you can scan the QR code to get through the barriers at the other end?

DropYourSword · 29/12/2021 12:21

I mean, you will be able to provide proof that you’ve bought your ticket so I’m sure you should be fine! You have paid for your journey!

Original poster
JohnSmithDrive · 29/12/2021 12:21

@NotAnotherPushyMum

Wasn’t there an option for an E-ticket? Most train companies use these now.
No, not on this line. They use a smartcad system where you can load tickets onto the card, but I don't have one with me
OP posts:
Original poster
JohnSmithDrive · 29/12/2021 12:22

@LagganBubble

Could you not get the ticket via email so that you can scan the QR code to get through the barriers at the other end?
No this line doesn't use etickets
OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 29/12/2021 12:22

There will be someone manning the barriers at the other end just show them proof of purchase of the ticket on your phone and they will let you through.

ShowOfHands · 29/12/2021 12:22

I travelled last week and everybody (including me) was using e-tickets.

If you can prove you've paid, there's nothing to worry about. Just show a member of staff

Original poster
JohnSmithDrive · 29/12/2021 12:23

@ShowOfHands

I travelled last week and everybody (including me) was using e-tickets.

If you can prove you've paid, there's nothing to worry about. Just show a member of staff

I love an eticket but they don't exist for this journey
OP posts:
arcticfoxed · 29/12/2021 12:24

Can’t you go on the Trainline buy one online?

Original poster
JohnSmithDrive · 29/12/2021 12:29

@arcticfoxed

Can’t you go on the Trainline buy one online?
Yes, that's what I've done, but this line doesn't do etickets (did I mention that? Grin) only the option to collect at a station.
OP posts:
JuergenSchwarzwald · 29/12/2021 12:34

There used to be a rule that said that you could not be expected to queue for more than 5 mins peak and 3 mins off-peak. I think that was quietly dropped in the latest National Conditions of Carriage but I don't see why you should have to miss a train because their machines were not working. Do they not have a guard on the train to sell tickets?

JuergenSchwarzwald · 29/12/2021 12:36

Plus the fact you can probably follow someone through the barriers. I've done that when my ticket wouldn't work (probably due to having it too near my mobile phone!)

KitchenDancefloor · 29/12/2021 12:42

This happened to me recently.

The station staff advised to take a picture of the non-working machines to explain to staff in the London station or on the train why you don't have a ticket.

WeatherwaxOn · 29/12/2021 12:42

If you have a photo to provide proof of the machines out of order and the queue, and you have bought a ticket online, then you have done all you can realistically.

HugeAckmansWife · 29/12/2021 12:44

It's highly unlikely anyone is going to cause you a problem over this, especially with proof of purchase.

Hellocatshome · 29/12/2021 12:47

Do they not have a guard on the train to sell tickets? I havent seem a guard on a train for over 2 years. Do they still exist?

titchy · 29/12/2021 13:03

If you buy on the Trainline app you can download the ticket into your Apple/android wallet. That gives you the QR you need for the barriers. It's issued by the Trainline not your train company so irrelevant that your train co don't issue e-tickets.

Alternatively just show proof of purchase to someone at the barrier.

Clymene · 29/12/2021 13:05

They have guards on my train line and a lot of people buy their tickets on the train. Except one morning they had ticket inspectors and they wouldn't let me board, even though you can't go through the barriers in London without a ticket or paying!

And I had queued for much more than 5 minutes at the machine before I gave up so that rule has definitely gone out of the window!

MajesticElephant · 29/12/2021 13:07

@titchy - this doesn’t work on all lines. My line is a major route into London and there are no QR scanners on the barriers. Paper ticket or Oyster/contactless (once you hit London zones) only.

eveningbubble · 29/12/2021 13:26

but you have paid, don't worry, just act thick.

WonderfulYou · 29/12/2021 13:35

Did you take a photo of the broken machine?

I would have done this and said the guy said to buy one which I’ve done.

deadlanguage · 29/12/2021 13:44

Not sure if they will let you out to pick up a ticket but you might be ok if you show them the receipt etc. Normally it’s either but a ticket from the guard on the train or from the person on the gate when you arrive.

safariboot · 29/12/2021 13:45

It ends up depending on what the person you speak to thinks of you. If they are reasonable they will see you paid for a ticket and let you through. If they are unreasonable they will say you don't have a ticket and force you to pay again or report you for the offence.

titchy · 29/12/2021 13:52

[quote MajesticElephant]@titchy - this doesn’t work on all lines. My line is a major route into London and there are no QR scanners on the barriers. Paper ticket or Oyster/contactless (once you hit London zones) only.[/quote]
Oh really? I thought all London terminals had them now? Or is this not a terminal? Sorry shouldn't assume everyone just travels to the mainlines!

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