Question Please can you explain the rulings on Penalty Fares?
Answer The basic rule is that if you board a train without a valid ticket within the penalty fare zone, you are liable to a penalty fare of £20.00 or twice the cost of a single ticket (whichever is higher).  The areas not in the penalty fare scheme are West of Salisbury, stations between Barnes and Hounslow (via Brentford) and between Chandlers Ford and Romsey.  No penalty fares are issued when a passenger boards at a station without any ticket facilities or permit to travel machines.