Tram trip torment

4:47pm Wednesday 10th October 2001

I am writing to acquaint you with my first experience on riding a Tramlink tram, from Mitcham Junction to Wimbledon.

I was travelling with my four-year-old son, who was so excited about travelling on the tram for the first time.

When we arrived at Mitcham Junction the tram was in the station, so we crossed the track and boarded the tram with my son clapping his hands with excitement.

This is where after a few stops our exciting journey turns into the ride from hell and how Tramlink ticket inspectors believe their job de-scription includes humiliation and intimidation of first time passengers on Tramlink, who were under the delusion that you paid your fare on the tram, as you do on any other tramline in this country.

At Morden Road the tram stopped and the ticket inspector got on.

I had my money ready to pay. I offered my fare but at this point I was told in no uncertain terms to get off the tram.

The inspector then broadcasted to myself and the rest of the passengers that I was breaking the law for fare evasion, which had not been my intention at all.

I once again offered to pay the fare which was rejected with a flick of the hand.

My son and I disembarked from the tram to be confronted by so many ticket inspectors that I felt belittled and my son burst into tears - the incident had unnerved us both.

I sadly thought everyone had a right to be treated with a degree of dignity and respect, instead of having their personal space invaded.

The tone of the ticket inspector then became more condescending. I was told there are stickers on the doors of the tram which state a penalty fare would be imposed upon travellers without tickets.

As the doors of the tram were already open when I boarded, I did not see the sticker. After 20 minutes of being harassed, I was issued with a penalty fine and given permission to leave the station - with no idea where we were.

This is unacceptable behaviour. I cannot believe this is the sort of customer relations and service training you give your staff. Surely this approach should be revised and rethought. This treatment of the travelling public should not have to be endured by anyone.

I will advise my family and friends never to use the tram. I was treated like a convicted criminal just because I believed you paid on the tram.

MRS J WATERFALL

Carshalton

Surrey