On 4 Oct, 14:00, DaveP wrote:

Sad they can't seem to see the bigger picture, and whilst Ken might see
beyond this and pay for the services, I bet he'd end up paying forever...

First are very pro-active on protecting revenue on the trains, which
is why they do set up regular late night on-train checks and gateline
checks at night (right up to the last train). I've seen many people
panic when they're suddenly presented with RPIs that usually go
straight to the first class compartments. It seems to work though, as
I've followed them through a late night train and there are actually
now relatively few people not carrying valid tickets. It goes to show
that if you can make people think there's a slightly higher than
average chance of being caught, they won't chance it.

FCC seemed keen to run later trains, and I'm sure that if they worked
with TfL as part of the 'bigger picture' on late night travel in and
around London, they could possibly get some subsidy but it wouldn't
have to cost that much. Most money would come from fares - and these
trains aren't exactly running half empty even on a Monday or Tuesday
night.

Jonathan