Scotrail launches major ticket fraud clampdown as checks ramped up

Scotrail is cracking down on ticket fraud with increased checks and measures set to be implemented. The rail operator aims to address the issue of fare evasion, which costs around £10 million in public funds yearly. To combat this, 69 additional ticket examiners will be hired to make it harder for fraudsters to avoid paying the correct fare.

Common types of fare evasion encountered by ScotRail include passengers claiming shorter journeys than they actually take, misuse of railcards, and exploitation of self-service ticket machines. To tackle these challenges, ScotRail will increase ticket checks at stations, employ more staff, and use data analysis to spot fraudulent behaviour. The monitoring of self-service ticket machines will also be enhanced, along with regular audits to investigate any suspicious activity promptly.

Scotrail is ramping up its revenue protection efforts by deploying more staff, including automatic ticket gate staff, on-train teams, and mobile Revenue Protection Officers. These officers will conduct thorough ticket checks and set up temporary barriers for inspections. They will also identify repeat offenders and take appropriate actions, which may include prosecution in severe cases.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, emphasised the importance of tackling ticket fraud to ensure that honest passengers do not bear the burden of lost investment in Scotland’s Railway. The measures implemented by ScotRail have proven effective, with the recovery of £25,000 from fraudulent travellers in the past year through targeted interventions.

Ultimately, ScotRail’s crackdown on ticket fraud aims to protect public funds, ensure fair fare enforcement, and reinvest in improvements for the benefit of all passengers.

In summary, Scotrail is stepping up its efforts to combat ticket fraud by increasing checks, employing more staff, and utilising advanced technology to tackle fare evasion. The measures implemented are not only aimed at recouping lost funds but also at ensuring a fair fare system for all passengers. By cracking down on fraudsters, Scotrail is working towards creating a more transparent and efficient railway network for everyone.