Penalty fare ‘yellow card’ included in rail revenue protection recommendations

UK: Transport Focus has recommended changes to revenue protection which it says would improve the passenger experience and confidence in the railway while providing a fairer approach to preventing lost income.

The watchdog’s proposals published on January 16 are:

• the introduction of a ‘yellow card’ system that can be used on the first occasion a passenger is identified to have an incorrect ticket. Details of the discrepancy and explanation would be recorded and be available to check on future occasions. Transport Focus says this is already used by some operators, but would be most effective if operated nationally with information accessible by all operators;
• the introduction of a central digital record of all Railcards so that a passenger’s eligibility for the relevant discount can be checked, even if they have forgotten or are unable to access proof wh…