Abu Dhabi: Etihad Rail has outlined strict measures to address fare evasion and ticket misuse, warning that passengers travelling without a valid ticket or violating ticketing rules may face fines, service restrictions and possible legal action.According to the company's Passenger Charter, travellers must obtain a valid ticket before boarding Etihad Rail trains or buses. A fine of AED200 applies to passengers found travelling without a valid ticket, including those using tickets issued in another person's name, evading payment of the correct fare or using discounted tickets without entitlement.Etihad Rail said a ticket is considered valid only if it contains the correct date, time and passenger name and has not been used previously.The company noted that ticket gates at major stations operate through an automated system, preventing passengers from accessing platforms without a valid ticket.Flexible ticket required if no valid ticket is heldPassengers found travelling without a valid ticket will be required to purchase a Flexible ticket for the journey at the applicable fare.Etihad Rail warned that repeated violations may result in passengers being denied access to its services.The company also allows passengers to extend their journey to another destination before reaching their original stop by purchasing a Flexible ticket through the train supervisor or the Etihad Rail mobile application.Ticket and identity checksPassengers must carry a valid ticket and present it on request to Etihad Rail staff or authorised personnel.They must also carry valid identification to verify their identity and confirm eligibility for any discounted fare category.Ticket and identity checks may take place:At the departure station before accessing the platformDuring the journey, including when the train is stationaryAt intermediate stationsWhen exiting the platform at the arrival stationEtihad Rail said checks may be conducted multiple times and at different locations during a journey.Passengers using electronic tickets are responsible for ensuring their mobile devices are sufficiently charged to display tickets when requested.Failure to produce a valid ticket may result in it being deemed invalid and require the passenger to pay the applicable fare.Strict rules on ticket usePassengers must travel in the coach and seat stated on their ticket, unless otherwise directed by Etihad Rail.The company stressed that no person without a valid ticket may access train platforms without prior approval.Passengers are also responsible for any actions or violations committed by accompanying individuals who are not travelling passengers.The charter prohibits:Altering tickets with the intent to defraudUsing tickets known to have been alteredPurchasing tickets from unauthorised sourcesTransferring or receiving unused or partially used tickets unless permitted by ticket conditionsPurchasing tickets on behalf of another person to enable travel without paying the correct fareFour violations carry AED200 finesEtihad Rail identified four violations that may result in a AED200 fine:Travelling without a valid ticket, including presenting a ticket issued in another person's name.Fare evasion, including deliberately failing to pay the correct fare or using discounted tickets without entitlement.Forging or altering tickets or obtaining tickets through fraudulent means.Ticket misuse, including using discounted or category-specific tickets without meeting eligibility requirements.The company said authorised personnel may confiscate any ticket that is invalid, fraudulently obtained, altered or otherwise in breach of the Passenger Charter.No compensation will be paid for confiscated tickets.Possible legal actionEtihad Rail emphasised that payment of a fine does not prevent the company from referring a matter to the competent authorities, including the Public Prosecution.Additional penalties, including possible imprisonment where provided by law, may also apply.The company added that passengers who violate the Passenger Charter may be:Refused travelRequired to terminate their journeyProhibited from using Etihad Rail services for a specified or indefinite periodReported to the relevant authoritiesIn such cases, passengers will not be entitled to refunds or compensation, without prejudice to any other rights available to Etihad Rail under the Passenger Charter.
