Fare dodging rates tumble

Sep 22 2005 By Ben Hurst, Evening Mail

NUMBERS of fare dodgers trying to cheat on Birmingham's trains have been slashed in half during a tough "name and shame" crackdown.

Last month a total of 103 people were hit with fines for trying to travel on trains without paying.

They were forced to pay out a total of £19,305 and their names have now been displayed at New Street and also on posters at their local rail station.

Since the "don't be a loser - buy a ticket" campaign was launched at the end of March the rate of people being caught fare dodging has been slashed from six per cent of passengers to three.

The campaign has now seen £141,748 collected in fines, compensation and costs and more than 600 people convicted.

Central Trains has brought in teams of "flying inspectors" who blockade stations around the network where there is known to be a problem.

They have also concentrated on checking the tickets at Birmingham New Street station.

In May, the fine for travelling without a ticket increased from £10 to £20.

Nigel Pennington, director of West Midlands Services at Central Trains, said: "As you might expect during the summer holidays, numbers were down as there were not as many court sittings but I'm pleased to say that there was no holiday for those trying to avoid paying their fare.

"The station barriers are in place at Birmingham New Street and slowly but surely the message is now getting through to people."