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PENALTY FARES
The Penalty Fares System is designed to protect the majority of customers from the minority of people who travel without a valid ticket for the journey they are making.
In areas where Penalty Fares apply, unless you present a valid ticket when requested you will be liable to pay a Penalty Fare.
This will be either twice the full Single fare to the next station at which the train is due to stop, or £20, whichever is the greater.
Any travel beyond that next station will be charged the full Single fare.
To avoid paying a Penalty Fare, you must purchase a valid ticket to your destination for the class of travel you wish to use before starting your journey. If you are unable to do so, you must buy a Permit to Travel from the machines that are provided at most stations. This permit must be upgraded to a valid ticket at the first opportunity. If you are unable to purchase a Permit to Travel, you should obtain a ticket from the Conductor on the train or at the first opportunity.
Penalty Fares only apply in certain areas. Please refer to the relevant Train Operating Company with whom you intend to travel.
More information can be found at the Department for Transport website.
