Ealing's Police say 'game over' to ticket evaders
The Ealing Broadway Safer Transport Hub team has been working on confronting anti social behaviour, reducing crime and providing reassurance on the local transport system.
The team has been working with Revenue Protection Inspectors to curb fare evasion. Operations to date have checked 180 buses and over 4000 passengers and recovered revenue in excess of £1000. Also over 181 prosecutions have begun. Many criminals using the buses have been identified and arrested. The message to those using the bus network is you must be in possession of a valid ticket/validated oyster card or face the embarrassment of being stopped and prosecuted. There are no "free bus" rides in Ealing.
PC Malcolm Wolfe said, “The team will continue to work to make the buses safer and officers welcome contact from all those that use public transport to hear any concerns or problems. If there is an issue you wish to discuss about transport in Ealing please contact the Safer Transport Hub team 07825386434, or write to Ealing Police Station”.
Rodney George, Revenue Protection Coordinator, North West at TfL said: "Fare evaders on our buses cost Londoners in the region of £30 million in 2008. This money could and should be used to further improve the service and we urge all bus passengers to have a valid ticket or ensure they have validated their pay-as-you-go Oyster card to travel. From 11 January this year, TfL's penalty fare for non-payment rose to £50. We anticipate that this increase combined with the ongoing operations carried out on bus routes throughout the Capital will act as a greater deterrent to those considering not paying their fare”.
He also added: "We hope our actions send out the clear message that in order to avoid a penalty you must pay the correct fare for your journey and that deliberate fare evaders will be prosecuted".
April 29, 2009
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