Requirement to carry Railcard with a Travelcard Oyster

[Benjwri]

I have a Zones 1-4 annual travelcard on a Student Oyster. I am aware (Or at least I believe) it is possible for me to add my 18-25 railcard to it to get a 30% off peak discount on off peak travel outside my travelcard.

My question is what is the requirement to carry the railcard once it is linked? Obviously when travelling outside my travelcard I would need to carry it, however would I be required to carry the railcard whenever I use my travelcard? I ask as my travel outside the zones of my travelcard is infrequent, and if it means I would have to remember my railcard everytime I need to go somewhere, the saving of probably £10-20 just isn't worth it at the risk of prosecution to me.

 

[MikeWh]

Yes you can add a 16-25 Railcard to an 18+ Student Oyster. Once your railcard is added you must carry it with you at all times. This is even true when using a bus where the fares are not discounted. There was a time when the discounted zone 1-2 cap was cheaper than the daily bus cap.

Can you keep your railcard in your Oyster wallet? It won't stop it recording touches and is what I do to ensure I always have it.

 

[PeterC]

Can you keep your railcard in your Oyster wallet? It won't stop it recording touches and is what I do to ensure I always have it.

Just what I do as well.

 

[185143]

Just what I do as well.

That's what I used to do too.

Since getting a digital railcard I've managed to forget my Oyster twice and end up paying full fare.

 

[Benjwri]

Yes you can add a 16-25 Railcard to an 18+ Student Oyster. Once your railcard is added you must carry it with you at all times. This is even true when using a bus where the fares are not discounted. There was a time when the discounted zone 1-2 cap was cheaper than the daily bus cap.

Can you keep your railcard in your Oyster wallet? It won't stop it recording touches and is what I do to ensure I always have it.

Okay yeah thanks, I do get why you have to carry it from a fare evasion perspective, it’s just a shame that I would have to when solely using my travel card validity, which is obviously undiscounted.

I might give it a go carrying my railcard with me and putting it with my oyster, and see if I forget it. Thabks all.

 

[gray1404]

I have both my oyster and Railcard in my regular wallet. Plus my bank cards and everything else. I've never forgot it therefore.

 

[AM9]

I have both my oyster and Railcard in my regular wallet. Plus my bank cards and everything else. I've never forgot it therefore.

Same here, (although I don't have an Oyster card), I always have my senior railcard, credit cards and tickets in the same place, - in my card wallet. The extra weight of these cards really isn't a problem when I'm out.

 

[PeterC]

I have both my oyster and Railcard in my regular wallet. Plus my bank cards and everything else. I've never forgot it therefore.

That means that you end up having to step out of the flow of passengers sort out your cards, go through the barrier step out if the flow again to replace. All with the added risk of having your wallet snatched. Or of course you could be one of those annoying people who blocks the gate while they sort themselves out

I carry my Oyster holder in an outside pocket and I can take it out tap in and replace it without breaking step.

 

[gray1404]

I have never blocked a gateline nor had my wallet snatched. I simply get the oyster out before the gate and replace it while still walking. It has never been a problem.

 

[fandroid]

I normally wear shirts with pockets and put any Smartcard (Oyster or Touch or both) in there during journeys where they'll be needed. Easy to get at and secure. My Railcard stays in my wallet until it's actually needed.