9 December 2004

Clamp down on public transport fraud

Strathclyde Passenger Transport is joining forces with public transport operators, Strathclyde Police and British Transport Police, in a week long initiative from 12-18 December 2004 to stamp out fraud on bus and rail services across west central Scotland.

In 2002/03 people in the Strathclyde area made some 211 million bus journeys. Out of these it's estimated that over 2.7 million bus journeys involve some form of fraud.

Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) will be working with Arriva Scotland West, First Glasgow, First ScotRail, Stagecoach Western Buses, British Transport Police and Strathclyde Police in a sustained effort to stamp out fraud. Teams of inspectors will be carrying out detailed ticket checks on buses, revenue protection teams will be operating on train services and staff on SPT's Subway will also be involved in making sure travellers have the appropriate ticket for their journey.

If a passenger is suspected of using bus or rail season tickets, ZoneCard or other products fraudulently, Strathclyde Police and British Transport Police will investigate the matter.
This co-ordinated exercise will continue on a regular basis and passengers are warned to ensure they purchase the correct ticket or face the risk of prosecution and a criminal record.

Welcoming the industry partners' initiative Councillor Alistair Watson, Chair of SPT said, "A small number of passengers are determined to avoid paying fares and they need to understand that the public transport operators are equally determined to stamp this kind of fraud out. It's a mug's game and they will be caught.

"Across the public transport network, an estimated £5 million a year is lost in the Strathclyde area by people dodging fares or using fraudulent tickets. This is a substantial sum of money that could make a real difference to the quality of public transport and help keep fares down."

Chief Inspector Donald MacLeod of Strathclyde Police said, "Strathclyde Police are delighted to assist in this venture, any criminal matter made known to the Police will be investigated and where appropriate reported to the Procurator Fiscal."

First, Glasgow's largest bus operator employed nine revenue protection officers in March 2004, who target buses in order to combat fraud and to provide additional support to drivers in dealing with anti-social behaviour.

Alan Pert, First's Security Manager in Glasgow said, "We are pleased to be involved in this joint initiative. By combining resources, this campaign is sure to have a hard hitting impact and highlights the message that people are no longer getting away with travelling fraudulently on all kinds of public transport."

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