Get A Current Affair onto it, they love ripping into this kind of thing

Not that I am doubting you personally as you seem suitably indignant but what an easy story for a fare dodger to make up - and would you really expect the crummy CCTV most of these places have to show a small piece of paper falling from your hand?

I can't say I am surprised
a- they didn't believe you/respond to your letter
b - you have no realistic option than to pay up as a court probably wouldn't listen either.

If you are determined to take it further get hold of the station asap and ask for the video tape to be retained - not taped over (often happens quite quickly!!) as evidence for court. It may need a solicitor to have enough clout to make them agree. This will only be useful if you believe you'll be seen ferretting around for the ticket. And then only if they believe it was in fact the ticket you were looking for!

Its hard luck but I think you're gonna have to pay up!

Thanks Safin
Already been to the train station spoke to the station manager about the cctv footage, he advised me to advise the recovery office that needed it.

Asked in letter to recovery office for cctv to be reviewed, they did not even bother to respond to this.

Well looks like i'm going to court to start a revolution, or maybe I shall just pay the fine, but it makes me so mad. :curse:

"It is your responsibility to purchase a replacement ticket before you travel" - So how can I repurchase when I dropped it going up the escalators!

Maybe if more people who get these fines elect to go to court then they wouldn't issue ridiculous fines to easy targets as the cost would be too much!

if they dispose of evidence you have asked them in writing to retain then that might be in your favour! if you can show you asked!

I agree, if you "did" purchase the ticket, and i have no reason to disbelieve you, then fight them all the way. Most people just accept the fines and get on with it, easy money for the bullies.

They may not be so keen against someone with a bit of fight. There is also the risk though, as you say, of a bigger fine and court costs.

Good luck whatever you choose.

And the letter you sent, was it recorded delivery?

What happens to you if you don't pay the fine? Do you end up in Court? What would happen if you presented everything (ie, letters written) to the judge? Do you think he might throw it out ?

Em x

Yes, I think that may be considered an abuse of process, which could go in your favour.


S

Have still not found any solicitors to represent me. But I now suitably have a big enough bee in my bonnet to go to court.
The letters I wrote went email and recorded, have time and date of when I spoke to the station manager, and I can also recount the five minute period when I went to ticket machine 6 in Martin Place station and the person who before me purchased his single ticket to Edgecliff.
Anyway will see what happens, starting to feel a bit homesick, maybe they might extradite me by xmas!

Why not come out for a relaxing drink with the CBD Thursday drinks crowd this evening?

We will be in The Ship Inn at Circular Quay from 6:30 this evening, and are a very friendly bunch. I dare say there will be a multitude of people to sympathise with your tale!

Drop me a PM if you are interested, and I can send you the contact details...


S

The escalator will be on some kind of regular, routine maintainence programme.
The mechanics will find your ticket showing date and time of purchase there next time they have it all opened up.
The rail company should be able to inform you of the schedule when that will take place next.
If you are adamant that you know your ticket fell down there then I think the Court would consider it unreasonable of the rail company not to have a look-see. Again you would be demonstrating that you are doing everything in your power to establish your innocence.
I hope it works out for you, good on you for standing up for yourself. S

Its easier I suppose to just fine you... that way they get $200 and thats that... if they have to spend time looking thru footage and opening up escalators then its not worth the time and effort... seems that the big machine (being the railway) would rather harrass the little person...

It comes down to a simple choice I suppose.. you either take it and pay up and put it all behind you or you fight... either way I can't see you losing face.. you didnt do anything wrong.. you paid for your journey! But if you didnt want to fight this battle I wouldnt see that as a failure either.. sometimes life is just too short... however, if it has gotten your goat that badly then I would respond to every threatening letter with your evidence and then let a judge decide...

Em x

I know how you must feel but isnt the law 'be in possession of...' in which case you werent because you dropped it.

If it makes you feel better when I worked in sydney on my 2nd to last shift i went up to the street for a ciggy. As always i dropped it, trod it out and before i could pick it up they nabbed me for littering... I always pick my ends up and dispose of them correctly. I was pissed off to say the least!