TRAIN passengers without tickets were targeted in a two-day operation at Worcester Foregate Street this week.

Revenue protection officers from Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains issued 79 penalty fares and referred 44 ticketless passengers for prosecution.

Steven Fisher, head of onboard experience for West Midlands Railway, said: “This operation was designed to reassure our fare-paying customers that we will take action against those who choose to avoid paying their way

“The vast majority of our passengers follow our advice and make sure they have a valid ticket before boarding the train.

"The small number who do not buy a ticket before travelling from a station where ticket-buying facilities are available risk being issued with a penalty fare.

"Tickets can be purchased from station staff, ticket vending machines, online or via the West Midlands Railway app.”