Originally Posted by
Andy33
Could also be that nobody wants to bring a case, even if it would stand up in court, because they think it would be politically unacceptable on a heavily regulated rail system, or would cause various other stones to be turned over revealing aspects of fares policy and enforcement that the rail companies would rather were kept hidden.
Not really a analogy with airlines unless you're talking about PSO routes.
The railway industry has no concern about things being politically undesirable. Northern Rail prosecuted someone unsuccessfully over ten pence. Merseyrail employ wardens with helmet cameras to successfully prosecute those who put their feet on seats.
There are literally thousands of prosecutions each year that end up in the Magistrates' court under the Railway Byelaws. The only ones where an offence is recorded, out of court settlements offered but never a prosecution are:
- "Illegitimate" breaking of journey
- Car park penalty charges at stations (Byelaw 14)