Senior railcard - is this age discrimination?

I bought a senior railcard for myself and an 18-25 railcard for my daughter - same time . Same price each.
But is this discrimination?
For me to buy a return to London during peak time I get no discount on a return ticket using my senior railcard, paying £36.20 - if I buy 2 singles I can get the cost down to £33.20.

Yet my daughter can travel at the same time and pay £24.10, getting 1/3 off using her 18-25 card.

a younger colleague of mine using their 26-30 railcard also paid only £24.10

This feels like I’m being discriminated against for my age (ie being over 60).

what’s everyone’s thoughts?


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Comments

  • Mark_d
    Mark_d Posts: 2,144 Forumite
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    Don't worry about these youngsters.  Look forward to your free bus pass
  • troubrs
    troubrs Posts: 112 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker Mortgage-free Glee!
    Yes but I can’t get that for another 7 years!!
  • zagfles
    zagfles Posts: 21,374 Forumite
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    Of course it's discrimination. What would someone aged 50 have to pay?

    If you have railcards only available to certain age ranges that's obviously age discrimination, but presumably legal otherwise someone would have taken them to court over it. 
  • Ayr_Rage
    Ayr_Rage Posts: 2,264 Forumite
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    If the basic fare varied by age that would be discrimination.

    You have purchased different products which have differing Ts and Cs, which is entirely your choice.

    https://railsmartr.co.uk/tickets/different-types-of-railcards/


  • zagfles
    zagfles Posts: 21,374 Forumite
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    Ayr_Rage said:
    If the basic fare varied by age that would be discrimination.

    You have purchased different products which have differing Ts and Cs, which is entirely your choice.

    https://railsmartr.co.uk/tickets/different-types-of-railcards/


    The basic fare does vary by age. How much does a 10 year old pay? A 4 year old? 

    People do have odd views about "discrimination", as if it's always wrong or illegal. Most forms of discrimination are perfectly legal and widely accepted. Discrimination is only illegal in certain contexts. 
  • Ayr_Rage
    Ayr_Rage Posts: 2,264 Forumite
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    edited 25 October 2024 at 4:33PM
    troubrs said:
    Yes but I can’t get that for another 7 years!!
    Move to Scotland, bus pass at 60.

    My Entitlement Card also gets me discounts on trains in my region.

  • Yes this is age discrimination but not all forms of age discrimination are unlawful. If the discrimination is a "proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim", it is not unlawful (see s13(2)) of Equality Act). 

    Having railcards that make rail travel more affordable for certain (typically those that are less well off and/or have more limited ability to drive) age groups is accepted in practice as a legitimate aim. Ticketing operators also have a legal obligation under railways legislation to offer discount schemes for the young/elderly/disabled. 


  • glennevis
    glennevis Posts: 720 Forumite
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    troubrs said:
    Yes but I can’t get that for another 7 years!!
    Move to Scotland :-)
  • zagfles
    zagfles Posts: 21,374 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Chutzpah Haggler

    Yes this is age discrimination but not all forms of age discrimination are unlawful. If the discrimination is a "proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim", it is not unlawful (see s13(2)) of Equality Act). 

    Age restricted railcards existed long before the Equality Act. It's got nothing to do with that. 
  • katejo
    katejo Posts: 4,202 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    glennevis said:
    troubrs said:
    Yes but I can’t get that for another 7 years!!
    Move to Scotland :-)
    Or London where I have the Oyster 60+ :)
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