Penalty fares on the National Rail network could rise from a minimum of £20 to £100 with a statutory instrument going to Parliament on 26 October.
Under the plans, the penalty will be £100 or twice the ticket price to the next station, whichever is greater – reduced to £50 if paid within 21 days – plus the price of a ticket for the journey on that train.
Fares evasion is estimated to cost the rail industry £240 million per year and the increase from January is intended to deter passengers from travelling without a ticket. The new rules will only apply to penalty fares in England and will be closer to those charged on Transport for London (£80) and Manchester Metrolink (£100).
