Hafiza - Revenue Protection Inspector - Surface

My journey

It was actually my brother who spotted the job advert for Revenue Protection Inspectors (RPI) with Transport for London, but it caught my attention because I felt it was a route into an organisation that offered good career prospects. I successfully applied and became an RPI for Surface. This means I cover the bus network, checking that people have paid their fare, and dealing with the situation when they have not.

My experience

We walk through the buses checking fares, if people don't have a valid ticket or Oyster card, or a pass I suspect doesn't belong to them, then it's time to use my judgement as to how to deal with the situation. No one day is ever the same which I relish - each morning my checking partner and I set off not knowing where we will end up. It's not all about penalising people, we are also there to help and provide reassurance to passengers.

My passion

Being an RPI is a real personality test, you are dealing with such a range of people and in what can be confrontational situations. When I started out I was pretty shy, I am so much more confident now and recognise the strength I have for communicating with people and public speaking. I believe in fairness, and ensuring that everyone pays their fare means I am helping TfL deliver fair prices for all who use the bus network.