Which Railcard for someone aged 55 and travelling alone?
There are a plethora of Railcards in the UK available which age wise cover people from 16 – 30 and 60 plus. Then there are Railcards that have the following eligibility:
- HM Forces Member or partner
- Veteran
- Disabled Person
- Family & Friends – need a child to be travelling with you
- Two Together – 2 people travel together
The range of Railcards is quite broad but there is the age range 31-59 who are non military, non eligible for a Disabled Railcard and travel alone who are left with 2 options. Both these options are South of East England focused:
- Network Card
- Annual Gold Card
The Annual Gold Card covers wider area of coverage than the Network Card and no minimum spend plus a 3rd off TfL tube and bus fares. Full list of discounts:
Being based in Manchester the closest station that I can receive a discount is Stafford travelling with London North Western who additionally have attractive fares! A Super Off Peak Return to London is just £20.10.
When you buy an Annual Season Ticket it is issued as an Annual Gold Card and it gives discounts in this area:
The cheapest Annual Season Ticket available in the area is, I believe, Hatton to Lapworth in the West Midlands for £176.00. I have no intention to travel to, no offence intended, Hatton or Lapworth!
I have been travelling quite extensively since I bought the Gold Card and already I’m well on the way of covering the cost of the ticket with the savings made. It has also meant that I can be more flexible in my travel arrangements as I don’t have to commit to Advance Fares.
Do you have an Annual Gold Card? Have you found a cheaper Annual Season Ticket? Please comment…….
Hi, helpful thanks – noted Exeter St Davids to Central is £156 /yr
Is that the part time one? If so it doesn’t get issued as a Gold Card AFAIK.
You have not included over 50 tickets in Scotland.
True – but focus was very much on my travels. We really need a Britain wide solution!
I’ve found that ticket machines will often give a Gold Card discount, even if they’re not in the region. Not sure whether it applies to Network Railcard, but I’ve certainly managed to get a discount between Shirley (West Midlands) and Birmingham.
I think it’s time for a National Railcard!