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Archive
1997-10-15 LRT-001
London Regional Transport
Fare evaders suckered by Operation Octopus
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Press release
London Regional Transport
Fare evaders suckered by Operation Octopus
More than 2,500 Penalty Fares were issued and 565 incidences of fare evasion were reported for prosecution during Operation Octopus, a recent ten-day revenue exercise targeting eight key London Underground interchanges.
Operation Octopus, the first in a series of planned exercises, took place from 29 September to 10 October 1997.
Focusing on interchanges in Central London where ticket checking is not traditionally carried out, the exercise covered Oxford Circus, Green Park, Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Embankment and Charing Cross.
Aidan Harris, London Underground Business Manager said: "These astonishing results show that fare evasion is still rife on the Underground and that we are fully justified in carrying out revenue exercises like Operation Octopus.
"In some instances, passengers have complained that we are inconsistent in our approach to fare evasion. We recognise this and have asked staff to ensure that if passengers are liable for a Penalty Fare then they will always be issued with one.
"Fare evasion and ticket fraud denies the Underground an estimated £30 million each year - revenue that is desperately needed for improvements to the system.
"Nevertheless, our message to passengers remains the same. Please ensure you have the right ticket for your entire journey before travelling on the Underground."
Railnews Archive ::: 1997-10-15 LRT-001
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