16-25 railcard travelling before 10am miniumum £12 25 March 2021 at 12:51PM in Public transport & cycling 17 replies 312 views

Spendless

Hi, wonder if someone can help me understand.
My daughter's 16/17 rail saver card is about to expire and I'm looking into getting her the 16-25 card to use or what remains of her sixth form college course.

The 16-25 card can't be use before 10am and she needs to get to college earlier than that. I see the terms and conditions say that it can be used before 10am for a minimum fee of £12. Does this mean for a single ticket and I would then need to buy an additional single ticket for her return home, or would the £12 cost cover the return fee.


I've tried going on national rail enquiries putting in the times she travels (8am there, 17.30 home) as though she already has the card  but it gives me the fully discounted rate for each leg of the journey. Hence my confusion.  If someone can explain, I'll be grateful. 

Thanks

Hasbeen

If the fair is below £12 she will pay £12

If the fair is above £12 she will get a discount.

At the times she is travelling will be standard  tickets. Not CDR.

Try inputting on the train  company's site she will be using. Times etc.

See what tickets pop up. Try single and returns?

Spendless

Hi, I'll have another try. What does CDR mean please?

Hasbeen

Cheap day return. Now called offpeak.
Total cost of ticket single or return must be above £12

Depending on distance some by a single ticket at price in morning and use RC for single return after peak.

But sounds as she will be travelling there and back at peak times?

Click on ticket details to show if RC is being used.

Spendless

She has college 3 days per week. 1 day is currently online. I don't know if this will continue after Easter or they'll be in all 3 days.


She turns 18 next week. I can buy a season ticket before her birthday with her 16/17 saver for upto 4 months past her turning 18.

Frustratingly her course tutor is not answering my messages about what date daughter will cease attend college. It is likely to be either late May just before the half term holiday or at the beginning of July when the whole college closes. I've tried the college reception for clarification and told I need to speak to the tutor.

There's £140 price difference in the 2 dates if I use the saver, so I'm left gambling on whether I take a risk and if daughter does need to go in until early July get the 16-25 card instead, or pay £100 more anyway but then I might find out I didn't need to!

Daughter has to travel to college at just turned 8am each morning. she has a return that is at 17.30 except for one day which can be any time from 14.45, it really depends on what classes and rehearsals they have running.

McKneff

I are buses and option

Spendless

McKneff said:

I are buses and option

No. No buses run from our area to the area she is at college at. The college is 40 miles away and was selected over a more local one for various reasons. She is out of their usual catchment area though they've had the (very) occasional student from our town attend previously.

She's towards the end of yr2 and completing.  Her course tutor is a cover for the usual one who is on maternity and isn't always on the ball with info. If I could have it confirmed what day she actually finishes attending there wouldn't be an issue. As it is I'm left gambling whether I want to pay £140 more than I may have to.

daveyjp

There are some posters who know rail fare 'bible' inside out.

Provide the route details and they may be able to give comprehensive advice.

Spendless

Hi @daveyjp
  Doncaster to York  maximum of 3 midweek days leaving Doncaster at 8.12. each day
2 days the return home is the 17.32
on the third day it is unfortunately unknown till she's actually at college but would be between 14.45 and 17.30

daveyjp

Standard peak return fare is £21.60 on those services.
As this is over £12 the railcard discount applies and the fare is £14.25.

Hasbeen

I get £14.45. but both near enough?