Chiltern Railways has recovered more than £400,000 in lost income through tackling almost 4000 cases of fare evasion in the past year.
Fare dodging not only limits funds for railway improvements but is also a criminal offence resulting in court proceedings and significant costs for offenders.
The network has seen numerous incidents of adults travelling on child tickets or misusing railcards, and people buying tickets for a shorter journey than that actually taken, known as ‘short-faring’.
Because fare evasion is a criminal offence, some of the 3984 cases have gone to court and resulted in criminal convictions and significant court costs.
The case which produced the most money for the rail company over the last 12 months involved a commuter purchasing short tickets on more than 350 occasions, resulting in a £15,000 settlement following an investigation.
A network-wide 'Buy Before you Board' campaign has rolled out, consisting of station posters and floor signage at ticket gates to remind passengers that fare evasion can result in criminal prosecution.
Technology such as new ticket scanning devices at rail barriers providing further information about whether a journey was purchased with a railcard is also being introduced.
This method of identifying railcard misuse, which is increasingly prevalent, will enable station personnel to verify the existence and validity of railcards before passengers leave the station.
The ability to confirm whether or not a railcard has been properly used is expected to lead to further revenue recovery, which can be redirected towards significant rail enhancements.
A penalty fare of £100 was introduced nationwide in January 2023 following a consultation by the Department for Transport.
Tickets can be bought ahead of travel on Chiltern's website or mobile app, in addition to at stations.
Tony Baxter, operations director at Chiltern Railways, said: "We have done some excellent work over the past twelve months recovering money from those who don’t buy valid tickets for our trains, but we know that there is still more to do.
"Our new campaign and ticket scanners will increase public awareness of our work in combatting fare evasion, while also deterring would-be fare dodgers from taking money out of the system.
"We are also increasing the number and visibility of our mobile revenue protection teams, meaning customers will see more Chiltern staff checking tickets."
He added: "Fare evasion is a criminal offence and means there’s less money available to improve the railway for paying customers.
"We know that the vast majority of customers board with a valid ticket, but we are committed to strongly pursuing those who don’t."
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