We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
Senior railcard - is this age discrimination?

troubrs
Posts: 112 Forumite


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?
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?
0
Comments
-
Don't worry about these youngsters. Look forward to your free bus pass
3 -
Yes but I can’t get that for another 7 years!!0
-
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.1 -
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/
1 -
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/
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.1 -
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.
0 -
MacPingu1986 said:
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).0
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 349.7K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.9K Spending & Discounts
- 242.6K Work, Benefits & Business
- 619.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.3K Life & Family
- 255.5K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards