I’m becoming more and more frustrated at the increase in numbers of fare dodgers that blatantly push through the barriers !!!
No wonder the fares increase like they do when you have law abiding travellers like myself paying others’ “free travel” ……. I have spoken to staff at Honor Oak Park Station who have been told “do not approach” in these situations…….
Respect for others and even themselves obviously isn’t a priority for these people… and it is deplorable for them to even think that this is acceptable !!!. I just wonder what can be done (if anything)
in these situations ?
It does not help matters when the barriers are left open at Sydenham sometimes in the evenings to surely make it a little easier for them too ??!!??
On one positive note it was nice to see that a couple of people did have respect at Sydenham recently - they even crossed over the footbridge so that they could “Tap out”……….
Very interested to hear others views / ideas on this ……..
You could film them, as Robert Jenrick did for a bit. Then use the social media présence generated to run for office. Then pass legislation permitting outraged paying passengers to catch the gate dodgers in nets, and place them in stocks where righteous folk could hurl the dog poo left on the pavements by selfish slatterns at them.
Don’t blame you for your frustration but it’s unlikely anything will change if even the staff are warned off by their actual employers.
If enforcement staff were present occasionally at stations then it would probably deter most people from doing this. This should be part of the contract for Train Operators who manage the stations. I can understand that staff do not intervene without a police presence to support them and reduce the likelihood of assaults.
I used to see this more often (with ticket inspectors backed up by British Transport Police) but then I used to use the trains more often. Perhaps they still do this and it just doesn’t work (you can always turn around and get off at the next station if you see inspectors). Or perhaps they focus on stations with much higher rates of gate jumping.
Although it is annoying that some people don’t pay, I don’t think it is a huge number, at least not compared to people over 65 who get to travel for free without jumping the barriers.
Actually Michael, you can travel for free over 60. If you aren’t doing so yet, make sure you apply for your Oyster 60+ card and thank Mayor Khan for the policy.
Almost correct CJW ….. The Oyster 60+ Card is around £18 a year ……… Mark T X T 
I might wait a few years before i apply.
1 Like
It gets harder to jump the barriers as each year passes. Over 65s should not have to attempt it, and I’m sure the free pass keeps many of us free of unnecessary injury.
3 Likes
The thing I find amazing about the fare dodging at Forest Hill is that there is someone employed to sit in that little box on the Perry Vale side, who just shrugs if you glance in their direction when somebody barges through the barrier. I realise there’s not much they can do but can’t imagine it is an efficient use of funds to pay for someone to be there.