Christian Hansen wrote:
Well, that's what the threat of a £1,000 fine and a jail term is supposed to
counter. If you get caught once or twice, £20. However, more than that and
there should be prosecution and, on conviction, the appropriate sentence.

You'd need to keep detailed records to do this. I suspect it's easier
to dish out a penalty, earn your £1 commission and move on.

I suspect that the fine would be more than a yearly season ticket. And the
criminal record (including a possible stay with Her Majesty) might make suits
think twice about fare evasion.

If it happens, sure. However...

"..since they're only fare-evaders they aren't interesting to the
criminal justice people."

....shows why they shouldn't be too worried.

Fines for those who attend court are pathetic, going by the ones I've
seen published in local newspapers (from court). It probably costs the
TOC more than they ever get back, so penalties have become the standard
'punishment', which is in my opinion woefully inadequate as a
deterrant.

Jonathan