A TRAIN operator has released its annual figures from its Debt Recovery and Prosecutions Unit.

Northern says ticketless travel accounted for as little as three per cent of journeys on its network during the last 12 months - April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024 – the lowest on record.

However, during the same period, Northern still had to investigate 57,302 reports of attempted fare evasion, issue 41,922 Penalty Fare Notices, and attend 172 court sittings – activity which ultimately helped recover almost £4 million of lost revenue for the taxpayer.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern, said: “The reality is that fare dodgers expect the taxpayer to pick up the tab for their journey – and that’s just not on.

“The rail industry receives a great deal of public subsidy and we have a responsibility to do everything we can to reduce that figure – starting by ensuring everyone pays their way.

“Clearly, with almost 97 per cent of people boarding our trains doing the right thing and buying a ticket for their journey, they are with us on this issue.”

In January, Northern reported a 20 per cent drop in the number of penalty fares issued in the first year since the Government increased the fine for those travelling without a ticket to £100.