Commuters across London are attempting to swindle the transport system out of thousands of pounds with a barrage of feeble excuses, Transport for London (TfL) has revealed. The most audacious claim by far? Passengers insisting they couldn't pay their fare because their mobile phone had run out of battery.
This 'digital dilemma' excuse has become the go-to defence for travellers caught without a valid ticket on the capital's buses and trains. TfL officials, however, are having none of it, dismissing the claims as a transparent attempt to avoid the £100 penalty charge.
The Scale of the Scam
Recent data indicates a significant rise in these dubious appeals. TfL's revenue enforcement teams are now battling a wave of passengers exploiting the shift to digital payments, claiming technological failures prevented them from tapping in.
Other creative justifications uncovered include:
- Blaming a 'slow Wi-Fi' connection for being unable to load a ticket app.
- Claiming a bank's app was malfunctioning, making contactless payment impossible.
- Asserting they had been pickpocketed, but could not provide a crime reference number.
TfL Fights Back
In response to this surge in digital dishonesty, TfL is tightening its appeals process. Revenue protection officers are being equipped with better technology to verify claims on the spot, checking for recent transaction histories or proof of payment issues.
A TfL spokesperson stated: "While we understand genuine issues can occur, the 'dead phone' excuse is increasingly prevalent and often unverifiable. Customers are responsible for ensuring they have a valid form of payment before they travel."
The message from TfL is clear: carrying a powered device is a passenger's responsibility. Travelers are advised to ensure their phones are charged or to carry a backup payment method like a physical bank card or an Oyster card to avoid hefty fines.
