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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to use someone else's train ticket?

45 replies

whyohwhywhy · 28/01/2011 10:31

My DH and I both commute into work. The price of our ticket went up by 13% last month to the point we can barely afford to actually travel to work, DH pays £450 a month and I pay £350 a month.

There is one day a week when DH works at home which means he is not using his paid for train ticket. To try and save money and because it is a valid ticket I have been using DH's ticket. It saves me about £25 a day so a total saving of £100 a month which is not to be sniffed at. We struggle financially as it is to pay for childcare so it really helps.

I thought nothing of this but a friend pointed out that if British Transport Police check my ticket I could be fined.... The ticket does have my DH's name on it so it would be obvious to anyone who checked that it was his ticket and not mine.

BUT DH has paid for the ticket and is not using it so I don't think I'm BU to use it. What do you think?

OP posts:
bubblewrapped · 28/01/2011 10:33

You are breaking the law by using it.

BarbarianMum · 28/01/2011 10:34

I don't think you are BU but then I'm the sort of person who offers others my 1 day travel card when I've finished with it.

If you are stopped act flustered and claim you must have picked up your dh's ticket by mistake.

Quenelle · 28/01/2011 10:34

There's nothing morally wrong IMO, but you would be fined for using it. Depends how high the risk of being caught is I suppose.

£800 a month out of the household on travel to work is quite terrifying though Shock

potplant · 28/01/2011 10:34

£25 a day - blimey that's a lot!

I would do it but you are still in the wrong.

EricNorthmansMistress · 28/01/2011 10:35

YANBU to use it but your friend is probably right. It's a calculated risk, why don't you find out what the penalty is? It's probably less than you are saving by using it over a period of time and although you may get caught at some point you will probably get away with it for a while! (Of course if [enalty is £1000 fine or something that's a different story)

Dancergirl · 28/01/2011 10:35

Absolutely I would do it at those prices. But would be scared of getting caught.

bubblewrapped · 28/01/2011 10:36

Why cant you just use your own ticket though?

Dropdeadfred · 28/01/2011 10:36

But do yo not buy your own weekly/monthly ticket anyway...??? if not then why not...it is probably cheaper than buying daily

minibmw2010 · 28/01/2011 10:37

I don't think you are BU at all, BUT (and I guess you know the answer here or you wouldn't even be asking) you know that its officially "fare jumping". Unfortunately if you got a really officious ticket inspector they will pick up on it and not only will you get in trouble and get a fine, your husband could be in serious trouble too.

cantspel · 28/01/2011 10:37

It is not what we think but what the rail company thing that matters and yes they would fine you (or take you to court)as the ticket is only valid for your oh's use.

ShineyMoonInAPurpleSky · 28/01/2011 10:37

Well everyone on the "should I try pot" thread was actively encouraging the OP to break the law so what's the harm in a little fraud?

Seriously though, I understand why you would do this - I used to have to get the train to school and as it was so expensive I would get a child ticket when I was 17 and 18.

I think you need to calculate the cost of getting your own ticket vs the cost of the fine, plus then getting your own ticket.

TotemPole · 28/01/2011 10:37

If you get caught you'll be fined.

Can't you get a job closer to where you live?

Hammy02 · 28/01/2011 10:38

If you can get away with it, go for it. The cost of train travel is outrageous and the service is generally very poor.

DanceInTheDark · 28/01/2011 10:40

It doesn't matter whether you ABU or not. If a ticket person checks your ticket you can and most likely will be fined.

DuplicitousBitch · 28/01/2011 10:40

i would wear a false beard. good luck

OhForBoonessSake · 28/01/2011 10:40

i would use it but liek barbarian said, if caught oretend you thought it was your own card, find out what the fine is though, jsut to make sure the risk is worth it.

hildathebuilder · 28/01/2011 10:40

If you get caught it might be more than a fine. I am aware of a couple who were travelling together. One lost their ticket. The other has a numbner of unused rerun tickets from one destination to another. He gave his wife one when the inspector came. They were then both pursued as the ticket officer thought this was fraud.

them's the rules, however silly they are

Slightlyreluctantexpat · 28/01/2011 10:41

I would do it too, but it's not right!

curlymama · 28/01/2011 10:41

YANBU at all, but obviously you run the risk of getting caught. Train fares cost a ridiculous amount, I usually find it's much cheaper to drive, but of course that depends on alot of factors. They should offer family tickets for situations like yours.

cantspel · 28/01/2011 10:42

you are also risking a criminal conviction if caught

www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?286268-FCC-Season-Ticket-Unauthorised-Use

Original poster
whyohwhywhy · 28/01/2011 10:50

The fine is £10 so definitely worth the risk. It just seems silly that a valid, paid for ticket cannot be used by someone else.

A local job Hmm why didn't I think of that? Of couse I would work locally and not pay extortionate fares if I had a choice.

OP posts:
minipen · 28/01/2011 10:54

Could you overdress when using his ticket I am thinking to go for the I may be a man dressed as a woman type look & be mortified if anyone questions you, a bit Little Britain style

KnittedBreast · 28/01/2011 10:55

its not wrong at all. your dp paid for it but isnt using so you are, wheres the harm?

Original poster
whyohwhywhy · 28/01/2011 10:59

cantspels link makes horrifying reading.

OP posts:
DanceInTheDark · 28/01/2011 11:01

Actually your fine could be increased to include any court costs if the train company decide to prosecute.

example here

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