A TikTok user who posted videos advising followers on how to dodge train fares has been fined £773 and given a criminal record. East Midlands Railway (EMR) and British Transport Police used her own social media content as evidence in the prosecution.
The woman, whose account shared tips on avoiding full payment, claimed in one video: 'I never ever ever pay full price for a train journey.' Her advice included buying a ticket for the cheapest stop instead of the actual destination, sitting near the toilet to hide from inspectors, and claiming phone battery or technical issues when challenged.
EMR's Customer Services Director Dave Meredith said: 'The vast majority of our customers always buy a ticket... However, there are some people who try and work the system.' He noted that revenue protection teams work in uniform and plain clothes to catch fare evaders.
PC Lisa Scott-Savage of British Transport Police stated: 'We're extremely pleased with the result... which highlights the price of evading fares – hefty fines and a criminal record.' EMR reminded passengers that travelling without a valid ticket can result in a £100 penalty plus the cost of a single fare.
