Texts to tip off ticket dodgers

Passengers are being told to send descriptions via text message

Rail passengers are being asked to shop fare dodgers travelling on trains across the eastern region.

National Express East Anglia has set up a dedicated text message number to receive descriptions of people travelling without a valid ticket.

The firm has put in ticket barriers at some stations, and is running trials at others, to minimise fare dodging.

Customer watchdog Passenger Focus welcomes the use of texts to ensure honest travellers are not penalised.

Ellen Rossiter, from National Express East Anglia, said: "The vast majority of our customers are honest fare paying passengers.

"But they also expect us to take a positive approach towards the minority who do not pay.

"This scheme is part of a range of initiatives we have taken recently to ensure that everyone who travels has a valid ticket."

Rival firm First Capital Connect, which runs services from London King's Cross to Cambridge, King's Lynn, Luton and Bedford, clamped down on fare dodging in 2007.

It said it has so far handed out more than 60,000 penalty fares, of which 8,000 were taken to court, but it said revenue rose by 30% as a result of fare enforcement.

Guy Dangerfield, from Passenger Focus, said: "I think many passengers who are paying are extremely aggrieved when they see people getting away without doing so.

"It's theft at the end of the day, so any measures that can reduce instances of travelling for nothing at the expense of others who are paying is a good thing.

"I suppose it would be sensible not to do it too obviously, and it clearly needs to be done sensitively and evidence needs to be checked.

"But sitting alongside all other initiatives to ensure that no one is travelling at others' expense is a good things."