Nearly 200 fined for fare dodging

Central Trains says the scheme has reduced fare dodging

A train firm has prosecuted 192 people as part of a crackdown on fare dodging.

They received a total of £43,186 in fines, compensation and costs at various magistrates courts in August and September, Central Trains said.

The passengers were prosecuted for failing to pay or produce a valid ticket when requested, the firm said.

Central Trains launched its Name and Shame campaign in the West Midlands in March 2005 and extended it to the rest of its network last year.

Fare dodging has been reduced from 5% to 2% on Central's West Midlands services, since the campaign's launch, the firm added.