Regional Railcard Validity

[ArranArchie]

Hi everyone. I have a question about railcard usage, specifically the Devon & Cornwall railcard. I understand from its terms that it can't be used for advance tickets, but I'm puzzled.

Which tickets do I receive discounts on?

• 1/3 off all Standard class Anytime or Off-Peak tickets for journeys not starting before 0845*, which are wholly within Devon and Cornwall
• (...truncated...)

Discounts are not available on:

• Season tickets
• Advance tickets
• First Class tickets
• Tickets bought in conjunction with any other special promotion, unless advertised
• Special excursion trains

From the application form.

The example journey is: leave after 12 noon Monday, return after 12 noon Tuesday, both stations within Devon/Cornwall (e.g Saltash to Penzance).

When using the Great Western Railway journey planner, if I add the D&C railcard to the example journey when booking on Sunday (i.e. a day in advance), I get quoted a price that's 33% off. Would those tickets be valid, or is the website wrong?

Thank you!

 

[Haywain]

When using the Great Western Railway journey planner, if I add the D&C railcard to the example journey when booking on Sunday (i.e. a day in advance), I get quoted a price that's 33% off. Would those tickets be valid, or is the website wrong?

The website is almost certainly correct. The problem appears to be that you are confusing a ticket purchased in advance with an Advance ticket - the latter being the specific name of a ticket type.

 

[Hadders]

Advance is a specific ticket type which is quota controlled and are normally cheaper than a 'normal' Anytime or Off Peak ticket. the D&C Railcard cannot be used to get a discount on Advance tickets.

Anytime and Off Peak tickets are not quota controlled and are sold at a fixed price. Railcard discounts are available on these tickets. These tickets can be purchased in advance of travel, but they can be purchased on the day of travel at the same price as buying them in advance.

Historically Advance tickets were not sold on the day of travel (hence the name) but many train companies now sell Advance tickets on the day of travel. This should not be confused with buying an Anytime or Off Peak tickets in advance of travel.

The name of Advance tickets really shoudl be changed to avoid confusion.

 

[ArranArchie]

Ah thanks that explains it, I didn't realise it was a special ticket type. I agree that the name is confusing and ought to be changed.

 

[MarlowDonkey]

Ah thanks that explains it, I didn't realise it was a special ticket type. I agree that the name is confusing and ought to be changed.

Restricted or Inflexible would better describe the nature of the "Advance" ticket. "Booked Train only" perhaps.