The receipt with the booking says
Quote:
Changes and cancellations
Passengers wishing to travel on the same day, but on an alternative train other than the time shown on their ticket, can do so provided seats are available, by paying a surcharge. The surcharge of up to €40 should be paid at the booking office before boarding the train. If a booking office is not open the surcharge must be paid on board the train. All tickets are only valid for! travel on the dates printed on the ticket only.
Failure to produce a valid ticket, appropriate ID or surcharge where necessary will result in a fine of €100 together with the relevant unpaid fare.
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So ignorance is not a valid defense and the UK rules are similar (but even less passenger friendly). The phone call was to check what the surcharge was for the journey in question.
This demand to produce ID is not on and does go beyond reasonable limits, bearing in mind the passenger is holding a ticket with there name on it. The ticket checker does not have the legal right to seek ID, you are required to give your name and address, where you boarded and where you are going. Refusal to give name and address may result in arrest.