ID for a 15 year old

Amanda65

Hi all

DS has just been charged an adult fare on the train as the ticket office people wouldn't believe he is under 16 (he was 15 in March). They insisted because he couldn't 'prove' his age he had to pay full fare. I have just phoned the rail office and all they could suggest is that he keeps his passport with him! He is in London for the day with friends and a 15 year old boy - who on earth in their right minds would expect him to arrive home with it :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: - I am not prepared to let him take it, partly as it would cost a lot to replace and partly from a security point of view.

DD's had student ID but that doesn't kick in until you are 16 (they both looked younger than their age) and I found a Citizen card but that costs £15 !! Obviously I will get that if I have to as is cheaper than paying adult fare's in the long run but I wondered what ID a 15 year old is supposed to have ???? Any ideas gratefully received

brians_daughter

here, the north west they are introducing 'igo' cards ...even if child is 11 years old if they dont carry the 'igo card' they get charged full fare.

As i understand it all other areas offer something simular. If they had one of these it would have DOB and photo on it

http://www.tfgm.com/igo/igo.html

even if nothing simular is in situ in your area for £5 you could get him one of these (you dont need to live in the NW to request one) , if its run by the regional bus and rail company surely it is an acceptable form of ID throughout the UK

Also, a photocopy of passport would suffice, or certianally does for our 14yo when on the train/bus

tanith

In London most kids have an Oyster Photocard that passes for ID.... not sure where you are though

Amanda65

brians_daughter wrote: »

here, the north west they are introducing 'igo' cards ...even if child is 11 years old if they dont carry the 'igo card' they get charged full fare.

As i understand it all other areas offer something simular. If they had one of these it would have DOB and photo on it

http://www.tfgm.com/igo/igo.html

Also, a photocopy of passport would suffice, or certianally does for our 14yo when on the train/bus

That's a really good idea but they don't seem to have them down here!

Amanda65

tanith wrote: »

In London most kids have an Oyster Photocard that passes for ID.... not sure where you are though

Hiya we're in Surrey so outside the Oyster zone

RAS

Most big bus companies have a cheap ID card, in other areas the passenger transport executive does one; ours recommends it for those over 12 and I think it costs £2.

Ring the PR section of the company that charged him full price and ask them what they expect people like your son to offer.

tanith

I found this might be useful although I haven't read the terms and conditions..http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/sccwebsite/sccwspages.nsf/LookupWebPagesByTITLE_RTF/Train+student+fare+card?opendocument

money_saving_diva

Do you or another one of the parents give him a lift to the station and then he can show the person at the ticket desk his passport and then give it back to you/friends parent to tale home.

Maybe then carry a photocopy in case questioned on the train?

peachyprice

Even if you're ourtide London he can get an Oyster card for travelling in London from here, it's £10 but travel on buses is free and it's £2 cap on the tube.

https://photocard.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gotoApply.do?type=under18visitor&from=home

Amanda65

RAS wrote: »

Most big bus companies have a cheap ID card, in other areas the passenger transport executive does one; ours recommends it for those over 12 and I think it costs £2.

Ring the PR section of the company that charged him full price and ask them what they expect people like your son to offer.

I did RAS and all they could say was he should carry his passport or a school card ?????? - never hear of one of these and he certainly doesn't have one. Apparently they don't offer an ID scheme.

tanith wrote: »

I found this might be useful although I haven't read the terms and conditions..http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/sccwebsite/sccwspages.nsf/LookupWebPagesByTITLE_RTF/Train+student+fare+card?opendocument

You have to be over 16 unfortunately Tanith but thanks anyway.

brians_daughter

Amanda65 wrote: »

That's a really good idea but they don't seem to have them down here!

Although not ideal, you could still apply and get a card - for £5 it is worth it just to ensure the same doesnt happen again.