• Our booking engine at tickets.railforums.co.uk (powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

Over 60's railcard - how soon in advance?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Howardh

Established Member
Joined
17 May 2011
Messages
8,120
I'm getting there....would like to say slowly but rather too quickly :cry:

Obviously gonna get a SC railcard....and start using it from the very first off-peak train on my 60th! But looking at the website its not clear how far in advance you can apply (unless I've missed something obvious) - was thinking a month (application form/photo/cheque) would be OK??

Any specific details....and just to add, how many old git....seniors on here used it from their very first day?? Cheers!
 
Last edited:
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

swt_passenger

Veteran Member
Joined
7 Apr 2010
Messages
31,267
I ordered mine about 10 days before due, and could have used it about three days later, as it arrived that quick. But I didn't need to as my Network card was still valid - during a 5 month overlap period...
 

Howardh

Established Member
Joined
17 May 2011
Messages
8,120
I ordered mine about 10 days before due, and could have used it about three days later, as it arrived that quick. But I didn't need to as my Network card was still valid - during a 5 month overlap period...
Thanks, I assumed one could order in advance! Not so sure about using it in advance...now that would be naughty <D
 

PaxVobiscum

Established Member
Joined
4 Feb 2012
Messages
2,395
Location
Glasgow
I ordered mine about 10 days before due, and could have used it about three days later, as it arrived that quick.

That was not my experience. I was planning a birthday trip, so I asked if I could apply for it in advance. I was told that an application for Senior Railcard would not be entertained for anyone who was not 60 at the time of application.

EDIT: In fact, I still have the reply:

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Thank you for your email.

To be eligible for a Senior Railcard a person must be 60 years old or older on the day they apply for a Senior Railcard. Neither station staff nor the Railcard website can issue Senior Railcards in advance of an applicant's sixtieth birthday.

If you require any further assistance please contact us.

Thank you
Kind regards

Gemma Lumley

[email protected]

When I did apply, it came amazingly quickly though.
 

Howardh

Established Member
Joined
17 May 2011
Messages
8,120
So on the day, you can go down to your (large) station equipped with ID, photos and forms and get it done there and then?
 

greatkingrat

Established Member
Joined
20 Jan 2011
Messages
2,751
Just tried the website and it will accept applications two weeks before your birthday.
 

Harpers Tate

Established Member
Joined
10 May 2013
Messages
1,679
Three years ago, I applied for mine, in advance, on the web. I forget exactly how far in advance; however it was here before the due date and I was able to use it on my Birthday.

As an aside - I see you make reference to "off-peak"; the Senior Railcard has few peak restrictions; the discount is valid on pretty much any ticket and can even be applied to an Oyster Card.

"Your Railcard is not valid during the morning peak period when travelling between stations in the London and South East area. Check locally to confirm morning peak times as these do differ. This restriction does not apply on public holidays."

Online applications don't need a photograph, and the card doesn't bear one. Proof of age was (if I recall correctly) given by my quoting my passport number.
 

Howardh

Established Member
Joined
17 May 2011
Messages
8,120
Thanks for all the valuable information, surprised it doesn't need a photo - couldn't the card be abused and used by someone else?
 

extendedpaul

Member
Joined
11 Nov 2010
Messages
690
Location
Caerphilly and Kent
I bought mine at the station on the morning of my 60th birthday and had a load of advance journeys already booked starting the following day.

Being lucky enough to have a house in Wales I also got my (all day no time restrictions) bus pass which I've even been able to use to travel free on the Heart Of Wales and Cambrian Coast lines last month.

Happy Days:D
 

Howardh

Established Member
Joined
17 May 2011
Messages
8,120
I bought mine at the station on the morning of my 60th birthday and had a load of advance journeys already booked starting the following day.

Being lucky enough to have a house in Wales I also got my (all day no time restrictions) bus pass which I've even been able to use to travel free on the Heart Of Wales and Cambrian Coast lines last month.

Happy Days:D

Very happy - 60 is the new 30!
Unfortunately for me as I understand my local transport authority won't give me a bus pass until I'm 66; which makes me wonder which is the better value - an all day bus/rail ticket or pay separately, let's hope my head stays clear enough to work it all out!
 

ashworth

Established Member
Joined
10 Sep 2008
Messages
1,285
Location
Notts
Very happy - 60 is the new 30!
Unfortunately for me as I understand my local transport authority won't give me a bus pass until I'm 66; which makes me wonder which is the better value - an all day bus/rail ticket or pay separately, let's hope my head stays clear enough to work it all out!

I'm also looking forward to getting a Senior Railcard later this year when I reach 60. Although I've retired early with an adequate pension from work I will not get my state pension along with a bus pass until I am 66. I do wonder if the bus pass will still be available in its current form by then allowing free travel all over the country.

It's quite frustrating at times when I feel that I am the only one paying on my local bus! Bus day tickets do often work out at a reasonable price. However, I just have to keep reminding myself how fortunate I am to be in good health and have a good enough pension from work to be able to have retired at 58.
 

PeterY

Established Member
Joined
2 Apr 2013
Messages
1,311
Only 21 months until I get mine.

I hope they don't move the goal posts before then. :D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top