Disabled persons railcard: rules for accompanying passenger

[BRX]

A DP railcard allows the holder & a companion both to travel at the reduced price.

It's clear that this is the case where both people have exactly the same ticket type.

However the railcard website isn't 100% clear on what the rules are if that's not the case.

For example, if the railcard holder has a return from A to B and the companion has a single from A to B, and they travel on the same service, can the companion benefit from the 33% off?

This is how it's set out:

4. Conditions of use of the Disabled Persons Railcard


4.1. Only you and, where appropriate, the adult accompanying you, can use discounted tickets. The accompanying adult must travel with you throughout the journey.


4.2. When you renew your Railcard we may ask you for current evidence of your entitlement to it – if we do, your renewal might take longer to process.


INFORMATION:


Discounted price tickets purchased by a Disabled Persons Railcard holder should be issued for travel for the same origin and destination and should normally be of the same ticket type (example both Off-Peak Returns).

Firstly, the "Information" section is badly worded, secondly it's not actually clear if it's talking about companions' tickets, and thirdly it doesn't qualify what "normally" means.

Railcard Terms & Conditions - Disabled Persons Railcard

www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

 

[Watershed]

A DP railcard allows the holder & a companion both to travel at the reduced price.

It's clear that this is the case where both people have exactly the same ticket type.

However the railcard website isn't 100% clear on what the rules are if that's not the case.

For example, if the railcard holder has a return from A to B and the companion has a single from A to B, and they travel on the same service, can the companion benefit from the 33% off?

This is how it's set out:



Firstly, the "Information" section is badly worded, secondly it's not actually clear if it's talking about companions' tickets, and thirdly it doesn't qualify what "normally" means.

Railcard Terms & Conditions - Disabled Persons Railcard

www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

This is firstly merely titled as "information", and secondly is couched in such language ("should", "normally") that it clearly isn't a contractual term. The limitation is in condition 4.1, namely that the accompanying adult cannot travel without the Railcard holder.

I see no reason that what you propose wouldn't be permitted.

 

[BRX]

However 4.1 says "where appropriate" without explaining where is appropriate.

 

[kkong]

However 4.1 says "where appropriate" without explaining where is appropriate.

I read the "where appropriate" as to mean "if present".

 

[janb]

For example, if the railcard holder has a return from A to B and the companion has a single from A to B, and they travel on the same service, can the companion benefit from the 33% off?

Yes. This example is given and explicitly permitted in the internal knowledgebase.

 

[[.n]]

Or the other probably not uncommon scenario - I've often travelled as the companion on a journey from A-C, but held an already valid ticket that cover A-B, so have only needed a ticket to cover B-C [IME always been fine and not a problem]

 

[BRX]

Yes. This example is given and explicitly permitted in the internal knowledgebase.

Thanks.
Having just booked some tickets on this basis, will be interesting to see if it's queried when we travel.

 

[AY1975]

And what if the Railcard holder already has a ticket and a companion decides to travel with them on the same journey? Can the companion then buy a discounted ticket for that journey as long as they go with the Railcard holder to the ticket office and explain the situation?

Presumably the companion would not be able to buy a discounted ticket online if the Railcard holder already had one, and obviously it wouldn't work if it were an internet-only fare.

 

[Watershed]

And what if the Railcard holder already has a ticket and a companion decides to travel with them on the same journey? Can the companion then buy a discounted ticket for that journey as long as they go with the Railcard holder to the ticket office and explain the situation?

Presumably the companion would not be able to buy a discounted ticket online if the Railcard holder already had one, and obviously it wouldn't work if it were an internet-only fare.

The Disabled Railcard companion fare can be bought independently of the 'main' ticket. The only place where there could be an issue is in trying to buy the ticket at a ticket office, as they may (understandably) ask for proof of the Railcard.

 

[Haywain]

The Disabled Railcard companion fare can be bought independently of the 'main' ticket. The only place where there could be an issue is in trying to buy the ticket at a ticket office, as they may (understandably) ask for proof of the Railcard.

Indeed, and no reason at all why it shouldn't be purchased online.

 

[Llanigraham]

The Disabled Railcard companion fare can be bought independently of the 'main' ticket. The only place where there could be an issue is in trying to buy the ticket at a ticket office, as they may (understandably) ask for proof of the Railcard.

I have never been asked for my card when purchasing a ticket in person.