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The Rail Regulator's intervention in the "wrong kind of fare" row has brought about a speedy resolution to the problem facing people using the South Eastern line in Kent between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge.
Passengers found they could save money by buying a ticket to High Brooms - one stop further - but still get off at Tonbridge. British Rail threatened a £10 fine to anyone attempting to buy the longer journey cheaper ticket.
Following complaints about the threats by BR, Mr John Swift QC, the Rail Regulator, stepped in to remind the company that the recently launched Conditions of Carriage allowed people to end a journey short of the destination shown on the ticket at any valid intermediate station.
Mr Swift said : "Having established with British Rail that there were no restrictions on the use of the cheaper tickets bought between Sevenoaks and High Brooms, I am glad to say BR have now backed down and issued an instruction to the retail staff amending the current anomaly in the Fares Manual".
"If we are to retain the goodwill of the travelling public at a time when the railways are subject to a radical restructuring, we must root out these anomalies quickly and deal with them effectively," he added.
