Using Railcards to Buy Tickets on Train

Marty06

This is a query out of interest:

If travelling from a train station with an open ticket office (but not a penalty fare station) on a train which sells tickets to you via a conductor, you can't use your railcard to get a discount if you purchase on the train. You can only get the discount if you buy the ticket at the station (or, as the railcard website puts it vaguely, 'We prefer it if you can buy your ticket before you board the train. Otherwise you could be charged the full price Standard Single fare.' http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/buy-16-25-railcard/faqs/validity#3 (the use of the word 'prefer' is a bit odd here. Either you can do it or you can't - I don't really care what they prefer - will they allow me to do it or not?!)

But if the ticket office is closed, or there isn't one, you can use your railcard to get a discount on the train.

Why would this be?

geordieracer

The best answer is that you are supposed to buy your ticket before you board the train full stop.

Now where that facility is not available - those stations that dont have long opening hours or TVMs or Permit to travel machine then the TOCs allow the tickets to be purchased on board.

asbokid

I wonder what allowances are made for those who arrive at the station in plenty of time to buy a ticket, but find themselves caught in a queue behind a deaf 93 year old who can't even remember where she wants to travel.

TwistedPsycho

Officially none; but then its commonplace that people get on board and try their luck then shout discrimination (because they are black or homosexual or they have red hair) when they are challanged.

geordieracer

asbokid wrote: »

I wonder what allowances are made for those who arrive at the station in plenty of time to buy a ticket, but find themselves caught in a queue behind a deaf 93 year old who can't even remember where she wants to travel.

I know i tell my staff to ask the person who is like this to step aside while they deal with the others then get back to her.. Normally works.

asbokid

TwistedPsycho wrote: »

Officially none; but then its commonplace that people get on board and try their luck then shout discrimination (because they are black or homosexual or they have red hair) when they are challenged.

Have you been spying at my facebook page again?