Railcard extension?

fatboyonadiet

In light of the recent situation, has anyone had a railcard extended? I'd just recently purchased a friends and family card, but won't be able to use it (had to get the tickets refunded separately), but can the card be extended?

cabdy

I had the same thought.  There’s nothing on the Railcard website about it, but on their FB page, lots of disgruntled people asking for extension.  At the moment, Railcard are saying they won’t do anything.

fatboyonadiet

Yeah, they've replied to my support email and said;
I'd advise you to use the Railcard to obtain the discounts once everything is resolved. 

pinkladyvenus

they are asking every one who complains on facebook to direct message giving the impression they are about to help and then just respond with a generic response shown below. this was the response to myself on 6th April 2020

"We recognise these are exceptional times and Coronavirus is changing how everyone lives, works and travels. We are currently investigating a number of ways to assist Railcard holders. We will provide further updates to customers via email and social media in due course. Sorry if this is also vague, Oliver."

Some one contacted the rail ombudsman but got the response it was not something they deal with.

Hopefully Martin Lewis will step in I know people have been tweeting him and some one has contacted the papers

 

pearl123

I enquired if they were going to offer refunds, as I have a Network Card. I think they've had long enough now to come up with a solution!

This was the response. "We recognise these are exceptional times and Coronavirus is changing how everyone lives, works and travels. We are currently investigating a number of ways to assist Railcard holders. We will provide further updates to customers via email and social media in due course. Stay safe & well"

martindow

I suppose from their point of view they do not know who will have used the card during this time.  Trains are running, albeit on a reduced timetable, so some people making essential journeys must still be using cards to get discounted fares.  

pinkladyvenus

i got this response when I contacted them for the second time

"Thanks for your prompt response. I understand that you would like to know whether you will be informed about the validity extension of your Two Together Railcard.

I would like to assure you that you will certainly receive an email from the Railcard Help Team or or on social media once a decision is taken about providing an extension on the validity of your Railcard.

Thanks again for contacting us. I trust this information answers your query. Stay home,stay safe.

Please do let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Kind regards,

Andrew Ignatius
The Railcard Help Team"

pinkladyvenus

Yet another update regarding the railcards, I contacted them again on 1st may and this was their reply, don't hold your breath folks I think this is going to be a long drawn out process.

" Hi , hope you're doing well. I understand that you are unhappy with our response however, let me tell you what's exactly going on. Our team is liaising with the Department For Transport with regards to any form of dispensation. We are awaiting instructions from them and can provide an update once a decision has been made. Thanks, Ankita.cess. "

It would have been helpful if this info was issued in a statement on social media for every one to see rather than keep us in the dark.

Shelldean

We hold a friend's and family card and literally brought it just before lockdown. I asked about a refund or even a partial refund and was told NO  As there's no guarantee we've not used it and the savings from one journey alone could be worth more than the costs of the card. 
So basically tough!!!

Kite2010

The rail industry just wants to have their cake and eat it regarding the CV outbreak and giving something back to railcard holders which might have been unable to use them due to the lock-down.  Look how long it took them to offer refunds for advance tickets purchased when it was announced that people should only use the trains if the journey was essential, probably making a nice bit of extra revenue from those who cancelled trips in the weekend before lock-down was announced.

MoonChild91

I was hoping for a refund too, or at least an extension as I haven't even used mine yet! Looks like that won't happen now, and seems like they're changing the railcard from next year to make it even less value for money. Time to learn to drive!