Northern Rail will halt live cases of passengers prosecuted for using a 16-25 railcard discount on cheap peak-time fares.

The decision follows a social media row over the small print on ‘anytime’ tickets. The controversy was sparked last week when 22-year-old consultant and engineering graduate Sam Williamson explained how he faced prosecution over a £1.90 saving on his Broadbottom to Manchester journey in a viral X thread. Williamson said he was ‘understandably worried’ that this minor error had led Northern to pursue private prosecution, which would have left Williamson with a criminal record and a hefty fine to pay.

Restrictions on the 16-25 railcard prohibit passengers from applying the discount before 10am on weekdays on fares costing less than £12, including on “Anytime” tickets such as the one purchased by Williamson. Passengers complain that this restriction is not made clear enough at purchase. Like many passengers, Williamson was unaware of the limitation, having travelled on the same pre-10 am service in August (when the restriction does not apply).While Williamson argues it was an “innocent mistake” and a “minor infraction,” a Northern spokesperson stated everyone ‘has a duty’ to buy a valid ticket.

In addition to withdrawing all current prosecutions, up to 25 historical cases prosecuted by Northern since 2020 will also be reviewed. Northern also said “We are actively engaged with government and industry to simplify fares to help customers.”
Williamson hoped to get the attention of transport secretary Louise Haigh with his post. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said that “It is clear that ticketing is far too complicated with a labyrinth of different fares and prices, which can be confusing for passengers. That’s why we have committed to the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, including simplifying fares to make travelling by train easier.”

A Rail Industry Association report published earlier this year suggested a simpler ticketing system would aid in restoring public faith in Britain’s railways and generate revenue to reinvest in improving the network. Author of the report Dr Sam Bennet hopes that Labour’s Great British Railways (GBR) proposals will simplify ticketing systems and improve passenger relationships with rail.

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