Railcards rarely checked on Avanti

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82119057#Comment_82119057

I take your point and the obvious solution is that a valid railcard, registered to the person making the purchase, is required before getting the discount at the point of purchase.

And I also hope that you can see that this introduces a very complicated extra level of validation and registration that would be required for every channel that sells rail tickets, and that those tickets would need to be personalised like flight tickets (or rail season tickets).

You might also consider how the validation of correct fare/user is validated at the exit gate - perhaps by producing a card with your photo on it?

If only every citizen had a unique digital id to which could be added things like Railcards or Oyster 60+ cards….

strawb_shortcake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82118673#Comment_82118673

The older I get the more I realise how much I like rules, specifically them being followed. I also like saving money, so when my rail cards aren't checked it does beg the question "why bother?" However back to following the rules I just can't not buy one, I'd be incredibly anxious about being caught out. I would likely be annoyed by someone flouting the rules.

I have actually seen two people trying to claim against the same railcard, it was obvious that one was trying to send a screenshot to the other. The conductor picked them up on this, and made one pay the difference. My Husband and I were sat behind them, and when one opened their rucksack to pay there was a huge amount of rolled up cash bundles inside, so suspect they were breaking more rules/laws than fare dodging.

katejo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82119135#Comment_82119135

When I buy a ticket at my local station rather than from a machine/online, they already require me to show the railcard even though the ticket isn't for that same day. Of course I always take it with me on the journey. Maybe the ticket inspector on the train looks at me and decides I am definitely over 60 but I could be someone who hasn't paid for a railcard.

katejo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82119492#Comment_82119492

I feel the same way. I wouldn't risk not having the card available to show. Each time I book a new ticket, I check that I haven't mislaid the railcard. mine expires next spring so I will have to keep an eye on the date.