Calls Grow for 'Yellow Card' Warnings on UK Railways

Transport Focus proposes leniency for first-time ticketing errors while addressing fare evasion costing the industry millions annually.

Transport Focus, a rail passenger watchdog, has proposed a 'yellow card' system to issue warnings to passengers making first-time ticketing mistakes, instead of fines or prosecutions.
The initiative aims to balance fairness for passengers who make honest errors with efforts to address fare evasion, which costs the UK rail industry an estimated £240-300 million annually.
The proposal includes creating a central digital database to record infractions and verify railcard eligibility, reducing the risk of unjust penalties.
Recent cases of passengers being heavily fined or prosecuted for minor infractions, such as railcard misuse resulting in underpayments of less than £2, have drawn public and media attention.
Transport Focus also advocates for simplifying the rail fare system and increasing ticket inspections to improve revenue collection and rebuild passenger trust.