Penalty fare is a term used in transportation for the fee charged when a passenger fails to properly pay the required fare. The word "penalty" is pronounced /ˈpɛnəlti/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the accent on the first syllable. The word "fare" is pronounced /fɛər/ with the vowel sound in the first syllable often lengthened in British English. Penalty fare is spelled with two words, both of which are pronounced with a stressed first syllable and a reduced second syllable.
A penalty fare refers to a financial charge or fine levied on an individual who has failed to comply with the rules or regulations of a specific service or facility. Often associated with transportation systems, a penalty fare is typically imposed for activities such as traveling without a valid ticket or concession, fare evasion, or failing to produce a proper proof of payment when requested.
In the context of public transport, penalty fares are imposed to discourage passengers from avoiding payment or attempting to travel without a valid ticket. The amount of the penalty fare can vary depending on the transport provider and the severity of the infringement but is typically higher than the standard fare to deter fare evasion. In some cases, the penalty fare may be a fixed amount, while in others, it might be calculated based on the normal fare plus an additional surcharge.
Penalty fares are typically enforced through ticket inspections carried out by authorized personnel. These inspectors have the authority to request proof of payment from passengers and issue penalty fares to those who fail to comply with the regulations. Failure to pay the penalty fare can result in further consequences, such as legal action or additional fines.
The introduction of penalty fares serves multiple purposes, including ensuring fairness among paying commuters, maintaining revenue for the transport system, and deterring fare evasion. By implementing penalty fares, transport authorities aim to encourage passengers to comply with the rules, contributing to the sustainability and efficient operation of the service.
The word "penalty fare" is a compound term consisting of two parts: "penalty" and "fare".
1. "Penalty" derives from the Latin word "poenalis", meaning "punishment" or "penal". It entered Middle English through Old French as "penalte" and later took on the form "penaltie" in the 15th century, eventually evolving into the modern spelling of "penalty". The Latin root "poena" refers to a penalty or punishment for an offense.
2. "Fare" comes from the Old English word "fær", which means "journey", "way", or "passage". It can be traced back to the Germanic root "faran", meaning "to travel". Over time, "fare" came to be associated with the payment made for transportation, such as a ticket or fee.