Young Man Faces Legal Action Over Train Ticket Error

Sam Williamson, a 22-year-old from Glossop, faces prosecution by Northern Rail for purchasing an invalid 'Anytime Single' ticket to Manchester using his 16-25 railcard, which he claims was not clearly marked as invalid for peak travel times. The ticket, bought for £3.65, was deemed invalid because it was purchased for a journey before 10am, violating a little-known rule that requires a minimum fare of £12 during these hours. Williamson has expressed his distress over the potential legal consequences for what he describes as an innocent mistake, especially given that he had previously traveled without issue during the summer months when the rule did not apply. Northern Rail maintains that all passengers must buy valid tickets, with a spokesperson noting that 96% comply with ticket regulations. This situation has drawn attention to the confusion surrounding railcard restrictions, prompting calls for clearer communication of such rules. The Department for Transport has instructed Northern to review similar cases involving ticket prosecutions.