Question regarding use of tickets bought with a senior railcard to exit ticket barriers

katejo

I have only had the above since March so haven't used it many times yet. I have noticed though that, on arrival at my destination, the ticket barrier  doesn't fully accept my actual ticket.  It flashes orange not red but the gates don't open. I have had to show my ticket to a staff member who has then let me through. I have been given different reasons for this.
 Greater Anglia said that my local station had used an incorrect code when selling me the ticket. The staff member at Godalming (South western trains) today said that they had been ordered to 'lock' the barriers against any tickets bought with a senior railcard and ask to see the card. They can't lift this lock without permission. However, he let me through without even seeing my railcard. On my return, later in the day, a different staff member asked to see my card but, as I went to get it out, he waved me through without actually checking it.  I don't think I ever had this happen when I had  discounted tickets bought with my previous Annual Gold Card.  Has anyone else had similar experiences? 

Sarahspangles

I don’t know if staff have been asked to check railcards but I suspect it’s similar to buying alcohol in supermarkets - they’re required to check I’m over 21 but never ask to see my driving licence.

JGB1955

Seems reasonable to me.  I've been asked by a ticket inspector, on the train, to show my Railcard at the same time as my ticket.

Mr.Generous

They have to ask unless you look ancient

Sarahspangles

Mr.Generous said:

They have to ask unless you look ancient

So I  should be offended they don’t ask to see my drivers licence.

katejo

JGB1955 said:

Seems reasonable to me.  I've been asked by a ticket inspector, on the train, to show my Railcard at the same time as my ticket.

By a ticket inspector on the train yes but I am not convinced about blocking barriers in this way (except for an official spot check by a team of revenue staff). 

luvchocolate

I have had a senior railcard for 11 years...travel by train weekly and have never had this problem with the gates 

spenderdave

Happens with me with one particular set of barriers at Waterloo, the ones at the main entry/exit to the old International platforms, but not at any others in the station. Never been told the reason, there is often a line of people for the chap to let through and they just open the barrier. My railcard is probably visible in the open wallet in my other hand but it has never been inspected.

MilesT6060842

On and off recently Waterloo station fare gates have been blocking entry ("4x seek assistance") on tickets purchased with any railcard for revenue protection reasons. I confirmed that with gateline employees.  The ticket did work the gates at another station earlier in the journey--using the cost saving of buying a London Terminals ticket at Charing cross and then crossing the Thames to Waterloo East rather than walking/tubing all the way to Waterloo from Oxford Street.

Missed a train last Thursday because I got stuck behind a bunch of people waiting for gateline assistance.

Ticket did work automatically for exit, though, later in the evening

I dread to think how that would work out if I wanted to get to the platforms from the subway from the underground

RobM99

I find it varies. Some journeys straight through, others I have to ask to be let through every step. 

Jaybee_16

Bought tickets recently for a journey on GWR using my senior railcard. On arrival at Paddington put my ticket in the barrier and gates opened. Railcard and ticket checked on the train but not at station barrier. Same on my return journey.