Train operators to crack down on ‘donutters’ and other digital ticket cheats
Train operators South Western Railway and GTR are restricting digital ticket sales on selected short routes to curb fare evasion, particularly “short-faring”, where passengers buy a last-minute ticket only for the final stretch of a longer journey to pass through exit barriers. The move matters because digital ticketing has created new opportunities to avoid fares, while the government prepares to take closer control of England’s railways through renationalisation next year.
Passengers travelling on affected routes, including Vauxhall to Waterloo and reportedly Norwood Junction to London Bridge, must now collect paper tickets from machines rather than download them. The Department for Transport estimates rail fare fraud costs up to £400m annually; other methods include buying tickets immediately before inspection, following others through barriers, and “donutting”, which uses cheap tickets at each end of a journey while avoiding the more expensive middle section. Former HSBC executive Joseph Molloy received a suspended sentence for allegedly using donutting 740 times, saving £5,911 over 11 months.
- Operators restrict digital tickets to tackle fare evasion.
- Rail fraud is estimated to cost £400m yearly.
- Digital ticketing has enabled new cheating methods.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that targeted action against digital ticket fraud is necessary to protect honest passengers and the rail network’s finances. If travellers can routinely buy tickets only after inspectors appear or exploit app loopholes, the cost is shifted to those who pay properly and may contribute to higher fares or reduced services. They favour proportionate, evidence-led enforcement that keeps digital ticketing convenient while making deliberate evasion harder.
The case against
Critics argue that an aggressive crackdown risks treating ordinary mistakes, poor connectivity and confusing ticket rules as dishonesty. Digital rail systems can fail or present unclear fare options, and passengers may buy late for legitimate reasons, particularly when journeys or platform arrangements change unexpectedly. They favour clearer ticketing, reliable technology and fair opportunities to resolve errors before penalties are imposed.