Transport fare evasion

If you use public transport (e.g. train, bus, ferry) or private hire like a taxi, it is an offence if you:

• try not to pay
• do not pay
• do not pay your full fare
• travel outside your allowed distance
• do not have proof of your concession (if you are travelling as a concession holder).

You can be fined or have to appear in court. You could be sentenced to 6 months in prison.

Plan ahead

Taxi fares

Call the taxi company ahead of time and get a quote for the fare. Work out if you can afford it before you book the taxi.

Public transport

Make sure you always have enough money on your go card (or a valid ticket) before you travel on public transport (i.e. train, bus or ferry).

If you disagree with the taxi fare

If you have taken a taxi and you do not agree with the fare, you must pay it first and dispute it later.

Take down details of the vehicle and the driver including:

• taxi number
• name of the taxi company
• date and time of the trip
• where the trip started and ended exactly how much you were charged and that it corresponded with what was on the taxi fare meter.

Read over your notes. Make sure they are right and you have not missed anything.

Call the taxi company and explain your concerns.