Fare Dodger Caught Owing TfL £3,500 for 500 Journeys at Surrey Quays

A man was caught by Transport for London (TfL) investigators at Surrey Quays station after evading fares totaling more than £3,500 over the course of more than 500 journeys in over a year. He used a faulty bank card given to him by a friend, which was repeatedly accepted by ticket readers but resulted in payment failures, allowing him to force exit gates open without paying. The man initially claimed to have found the card but later admitted to using it after being confronted with evidence during an interview. The investigation, documented in the Channel 5 series 'Fare Dodgers: At War with the Law,' revealed the elaborate method he used to avoid payment, and TfL’s prosecution team will now decide on further action. The man expressed surprise at the amount owed and apologized, signing a document admitting to the fare evasion. This case highlights ongoing efforts by TfL to crack down on fare dodging through surveillance and targeted investigations.