Railcard times.

[bagels]

Hi,

I just saw a TikTok that said you aren’t allowed to use your railcard before 9:30, is that true? I’ve never heard of this before and always used it.

 

[800Travel]

Hi,

I just saw a TikTok that said you aren’t allowed to use your railcard before 9:30, is that true? I’ve never heard of this before and always used it.

Which railcard do you hold?

 

[Y Ddraig Coch]

All rail cards have different validity, some you cannot use before 9.30, some have a minimum spend during the morning peak which card is it you hold?

 

[zwk500]

Different railcards have different restrictions but yes some do have particular cut-off (or in this case cut-in I suppose) times.

 

[Horizon22]

Hi,

I just saw a TikTok that said you aren’t allowed to use your railcard before 9:30, is that true? I’ve never heard of this before and always used it.

If it's 16-25 railcard, you can use it, but it is subject to a £12 minimum charge most of the time between 0430-1000 - https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/help/railcard-terms-conditions/

4.5. The 16-25 Railcard has a minimum fare that applies from 04.30 and 10.00 Monday to Friday. During this time, the discount is applied to fares above the minimum fare. This minimum fare does not apply to:

4.5.1. Advance tickets; or

4.5.2. journeys on public holidays; or

4.5.3. journeys during July and August.

At the time of printing, the minimum fare is £12. The minimum fare is subject to change during the validity of your Railcard - check website for the most up to date information.

 

[MiNi]

Yes,tiz true.Monday -Friday,not valid before 9.30 some Railcard.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

If it is a 16-25 railcard, don't be tempted to buy a discounted Anytime ticket for a train scheduled to operate later on in the day, in order to avoid the £12 minimum charge, and then attempt to use it before 10.00 a.m. because it's ostensibly an "Anytime" ticket.

 

[norbitonflyer]

Senior railcards cannot be used for journeys entirely within the Network Railcard (former NSE) area during the morning peak (usually arrivals in London before 10am). This rule ius sometimes misinterporeted by ticket staff in the area who refuse to issue ANY ticket with a senior railcard during that time.
Network railcards have a similar restriction.

 

[AdamWW]

Senior railcards cannot be used for journeys entirely within the Network Railcard (former NSE) area during the morning peak (usually arrivals in London before 10am). This rule ius sometimes misinterporeted by ticket staff in the area who refuse to issue ANY ticket with a senior railcard during that time.
Network railcards have a similar restriction.

Also family railcards?

 

[Deerfold]

Hi,

I just saw a TikTok that said you aren’t allowed to use your railcard before 9:30, is that true? I’ve never heard of this before and always used it.

That matches the Monday - Friday time restriction for the Two Together railcard. As others have said, restrictions are different for every type of railcard.

 

[AlbertBeale]

Maybe don't take "information" on TikTok (about pretty much anything) as serious and/or complete.

 

[zwk500]

Maybe don't take "information" on TikTok (about pretty much anything) as serious and/or complete.

tbf to the OP, they haven't taken TikTok at face value and instead have come and asked a forum that has a better chance of an authoritative answer.

 

[AdamWW]

Maybe don't take "information" on TikTok (about pretty much anything) as serious and/or complete.

And...er...perhaps ask for clarification on a web forum where you're likely to get the right answer?

 

[Silver Cobra]

Senior railcards cannot be used for journeys entirely within the Network Railcard (former NSE) area during the morning peak (usually arrivals in London before 10am). This rule ius sometimes misinterporeted by ticket staff in the area who refuse to issue ANY ticket with a senior railcard during that time.
Network railcards have a similar restriction.

The Network Railcard's time restriction is a bit more strict, in that you cannot use discounted tickets on any services before 10am on weekdays, no matter where in the Network Railcard area you are travelling from. The time restriction is lifted on weekends and bank holidays (this also applies to most railcards).

 

[AlbertBeale]

And...er...perhaps ask for clarification on a web forum where you're likely to get the right answer?

Indeed - i took that as a given!!

 

[Mcr Warrior]

The Network Railcard's time restriction is a bit more strict, in that you cannot use discounted tickets on any services before 10am on weekdays, no matter where in the Network Railcard area you are travelling from. The time restriction is lifted on weekends and bank holidays (this also applies to most railcards).

Not sure that's a blanket restriction; aren't there a number of origin station departure time easements, albeit for certain specified stations/trains only, thus enabling use of the Network Railcard discount, for example, on the 0932 midweek departure from Sudbury (Suffolk) to Mark's Tey or the 0942 from Kings Lynn to London Kings Cross?

 

[Silver Cobra]

Not sure that's a blanket restriction; aren't there a number of origin station departure time easements, albeit for certain specified stations/trains only, thus enabling use of the Network Railcard discount, for example, on the 0932 midweek departure from Sudbury (Suffolk) to Mark's Tey or the 0942 from Kings Lynn to London Kings Cross?

You're right, I did overlook that there are some easements for the Network Railcard. There is a PDF on the Network Railcard website with all the easements listed, which can be found here: https://www.network-railcard.co.uk/about-the-railcard/using-your-railcard/

Time restrictions​

Some train companies may allow Network Railcard holders to start their journey a little earlier than 10am Monday to Friday on certain services. Current easements are detailed on the Network Railcard time restrictions**.

Please note, these easements are subject to change, therefore it is recommended that you check with the ticket office staff at your local station before buying or using tickets.