What is the ‘doughnutting’ ticket scam?

It is a fare evasion method that exploits gaps in ticketing and journey records, often by creating incomplete or mismatched trip data. The goal is to avoid paying the correct fare. Operators counter it with better gate logic, post-journey checks, and, increasingly, account-based and GPS-aware systems that verify routes.

How could GPS ticketing change UK rail travel?

GPS ticketing links your phone to an account that detects journeys and prices the correct fare with caps. It could remove confusion over zones and routes, reduce queues, and cut evasion. Success depends on accuracy, battery use, privacy protections, and simple appeals when the system gets a journey wrong.

What are the legal risks of fare evasion in the UK?

Fare evasion can lead to civil recovery, penalties, prosecution, and potential bans from rail services. Outcomes depend on evidence, intent, and history of offending. A record can affect employment checks in sensitive sectors. Paying the correct fare and resolving disputes quickly reduces risk and protects your rights.

What should investors watch after this case?

Watch rail pilot results, contract awards, and how privacy safeguards are written into deals. Track metrics on evasion recovery, error rates, and customer satisfaction. In finance, note updates to conduct policies and expense controls. Vendors that prove accuracy, fairness, and compliance will gain share as GPS models expand.

Law and Government

February 19: HSBC Banker Fare Scam Triggers UK Rail GPS Ticketing Push

ByDanny Kontos February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

On 19 February, the hsbc banker train fare case drew sharp attention to conduct risk and fare evasion costs. A retired HSBC asset manager admitted using the ‘doughnutting’ ticket scam to avoid about £5,900, prompting fresh scrutiny across finance and transport. UK rail operators are now piloting UK rail GPS tracking to automate accurate fares and cap losses estimated at £240 million a year. For investors, this links legal risk, mobility tech demand, and data governance. We explain what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next in the UK market.