Rail Users Ireland Forum - View Single Post - coolmine station,early train, 50 euro fine

andyl222 · 26-03-2007, 19:30

I can see what you mean in reference to IE only listenin in terms of strict regulations, and yes the early train was a mystery, one which landed me in this unfortunate situation. There are several other issues at hand that are really getting on my nerves aswell though, the new ticket booth in connolly that in fairness looks no more like a fine booth than auschwitz looks like butlins, This booth leads anyone in my situation or similar to believe that there is now a specific booth where you can in fact buy your ticket before reaching the new automated turnstiles, little does anyone know that this venture to purchase a ticket will inevitably lead to a fine. It's essentially like going to the post office to get a tv licence and then being fined for not having a tv licence by the person at the counter. If I was to walk into a garda station and ask to get my licence renewed, should I in turn be charged for not having a valid licence?

Another issue that gets me ever more angry is the sudden and erratic change in policy, one weeks its ok to get on the train without a ticket as long as you pay at the other end (before you mention a legislation from the 1980's, bare in mind I'm talking about the multitudes of commuters from everywhere across dublin/north kildare who have had this experience) to all of a sudden showing no mercy,no leniancy and essentially no common sense in relation to the limitless reasons as to why someone may feel they have to board the train without a ticket. It's senseless, and threatening to bring legal action on hardworking diligent users is not the way to stop fare evading, proper staffing at each station would fix all the major issues inherent in that particular problem.

I understand what you're saying Mark, that perhaps just paying the fine and forgetting about it would be best, but why should I? I've broken a paper thin rule that was sporadically and feebily inforced (whenever it suited the particular staff member on a particular day) for the last 25 years, but I haven't done anything WRONG.

26-03-2007, 19:30	#16
andyl222 Regular Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 55	I can see what you mean in reference to IE only listenin in terms of strict regulations, and yes the early train was a mystery, one which landed me in this unfortunate situation. There are several other issues at hand that are really getting on my nerves aswell though, the new ticket booth in connolly that in fairness looks no more like a fine booth than auschwitz looks like butlins, This booth leads anyone in my situation or similar to believe that there is now a specific booth where you can in fact buy your ticket before reaching the new automated turnstiles, little does anyone know that this venture to purchase a ticket will inevitably lead to a fine. It's essentially like going to the post office to get a tv licence and then being fined for not having a tv licence by the person at the counter. If I was to walk into a garda station and ask to get my licence renewed, should I in turn be charged for not having a valid licence? Another issue that gets me ever more angry is the sudden and erratic change in policy, one weeks its ok to get on the train without a ticket as long as you pay at the other end (before you mention a legislation from the 1980's, bare in mind I'm talking about the multitudes of commuters from everywhere across dublin/north kildare who have had this experience) to all of a sudden showing no mercy,no leniancy and essentially no common sense in relation to the limitless reasons as to why someone may feel they have to board the train without a ticket. It's senseless, and threatening to bring legal action on hardworking diligent users is not the way to stop fare evading, proper staffing at each station would fix all the major issues inherent in that particular problem. I understand what you're saying Mark, that perhaps just paying the fine and forgetting about it would be best, but why should I? I've broken a paper thin rule that was sporadically and feebily inforced (whenever it suited the particular staff member on a particular day) for the last 25 years, but I haven't done anything WRONG.