MORE than a dozen rail passengers were caught dodging fares on a single day in south Essex.

Officers from British Transport Police were stationed at Basildon train station on Tuesday to crackdown on people failing to pay for tickets.

They revealed they caught 16 passengers who either did not pay or have the correct ticket.

Among them were two people who are suspected of longer term fraud.

BTP said the duo were now the subject of a “more detailed” investigation.

It comes less than a week after Essex rail operator Greater Anglia revealed it raked in around £4m in fines last year due to rail fare dodging.

Bosses said there was around £450,000 worth of fraudulent delay repayment claims recovered.

On the spot fines can be issued to anyone caught without a ticket on a train.

Passengers can also be prosecuted and taken to court for failing to pay/ pay for the correct ticket.