Translink has issued a list of the top excuses for fare evasion given to conductors on Northern Ireland trains, including one passenger who claimed he had used the ticket as replacement toilet paper.

Other excuses included:

• I'm a part-time police officer, so I don't have to pay.
• My uncle is the line manager here (said to the line manager)
• I bought a ticket earlier, but I've lost it
• I didn't hear the conductor asking if I needed a ticket; I was asleep/had my headphone on/was looking out the window
• You are a public service and I paid my taxes, now you are looking more money
• My brother is a solicitor and you will be in big trouble
• I thought it was still 2011. (Student with out-of-date card)
• I just bought this ticket before I got on the train, your machines must be wrong" (Customer with out-of-date ticket)
• My mum/dad have paid for my ticket at the other end
• I am only travelling one stop

All passengers who used such excuses were issued with an on-the-spot fine and/or prosecuted for fare evasion.

Last year, 22 passengers were fined £2,508 for ticketing irregularities.

70 penalty fares were issued for fare evasion, resulting in fines totalling £1,579.40

Hilton Parr of Translink said: "We've really heard every excuse under the sun from passengers for attempting to travel without paying.

"The majority of our customers are honest and pay the correct fare and, as such, it is only right that we take a tough line with those who try to fare dodge.

"The point I would make is that no matter who you are, if you want to travel on our services, you have to pay."

The average fine issued to fare evaders in 2012 was £20 plus the value of the ticket for the distance they travelled.

According to Translink, passengers must pay on the spot. If they are unable to pay and are without ID, the police may be called.

Non-payment of the penalty can result in a court appearance plus a fine of up to £1,000.

Ms Parr said: "Some passengers probably take a chance to see if they can get away without paying, just to save a few pounds, but having a criminal record for an offence like fare evasion could seriously damage their long term future and ruin plans to work or even just travel abroad."

(IT/CD)