no netword card - fined

[tony6499]

I can tell by your scorn that you think it's ludicrous to assume that the TOCs would be using a modern computer database system for tracking railcards of all types. The thing is... most people would think that it isn't such a far-fetched notion. Database systems have become so commonplace that the thought of an organisation not using one for this kind of purpose is truly ludicrous. And given that a lot of railcards (especially YP ones) are bought via the internet, you really can't blame the passengers for thinking that there is some kind of centralised database.

As for your excuse of "some cards being bought on the day" - assuming that the database can be updated via an internet connection (most can), then this shouldn't be a problem at all, assuming that ticket office staff are on the ball.

Now, I'm not saying that there aren't some problems with this scenario - ticket checking staff not having access to reliable internet connections, for example, and there's still the issue of having to prove that you haven't just lent your physical railcard to a mate for the day, database or no. But these are not insurmountable problems. My point is that your apparent attitude - that such a database couldn't possibly exist or work - is misguided and defeatist.

And someone lent their Network card that day to someone else to use as happens ? It is in the T & C's , if you don't carry it you're liable to an excess fare upwards.

 

[Antman]

And someone lent their Network card that day to someone else to use as happens ? It is in the T & C's , if you don't carry it you're liable to an excess fare upwards.

On self service machines anybody can get the discounted fare without having to produce their network card so I would think abuse is commonplace?

 

[Flamingo]

On self service machines anybody can get the discounted fare without having to produce their network card so I would think abuse is commonplace?

Also, a Network Rail card gets a discount for two people, so two discounted tickets can be bought, and both travellers split up for the return journey.

 

[jon0844]

I didn't know that.

 

[causton]

On self service machines anybody can get the discounted fare without having to produce their network card so I would think abuse is commonplace?

You can do that with any ticket though... so not really?

We do have humans checking tickets you know? Many railcards, child tickets etc are blocked by some barriers so they will get checked eventually...!

 

[island]

What I've never understood is why railcards aren't scanned Clubcard style, to give managers more of an insight into travelling behaviours

Probably due to a lack of infrastructure.

 

[theblackwatch]

If smartcards ever take off then Railcards can be linked to them – no worries about forgetting it then. Of course, you’ll still get “I forgot my ticket, but it’s all on the database so can you check it? Just scan my ID implant and you’ll see it’s the right name…”

Just the problem of forgetting to take their smartcard out with them, which, if someone is prone to forgetting their railcard, must be quite easy to do...

 

[Antman]

You can do that with any ticket though... so not really?

We do have humans checking tickets you know? Many railcards, child tickets etc are blocked by some barriers so they will get checked eventually...!

Yes I know, FCC barriers block them which can be a nuisance when you're in a hurry.

Other than that I've never been asked for my network card when tickets are checked on trains.

 

[Flamingo]

Yes I know, FCC barriers block them which can be a nuisance when you're in a hurry.

Other than that I've never been asked for my network card when tickets are checked on trains.

I used to ask, there would be as many missing them as every other type of railcard.

 

[LexyBoy]

I didn't know that.

Not sure if you meant that you didn't know that the Network Railcard gives a discount for more than one person (4 adults and 4 children in fact), or Flamingo's comment about splitting up - which is not allowed, travellers must stay with the Railcard holder.

 

[jon0844]

It was the latter.

 

[Andrewlong]

You can buy discounted tickets through most travel websites too and you do not have to provide details of the accompanying railcard(s). That allows the unscrupulous travel to pay less than they need to.

Making the purchaser key in the railcard number at time of purchase might be one solution but that would require the online interrogation of a railcard database. This is the sort of thing which happens when renewing a car tax disc except that its a list of valid MOTs and insurance details.

 

[jon0844]

Even then, you could just enter any valid number (a mate giving you theirs) to be able to buy a ticket. No different than now, if people are willing to try it on and then just claim to have lost / forgotten the railcard.

 

[David Goddard]

I'm sorry but this really is an open and shut case. You don't have your Railcard, you don't get your discount. Its in the T&Cs agreed to when purchasing (either by signing a piece of paper at the booking office or by clicking a check box on line.

If you forget your bus pass then you pay your fare.
If you forget your Boots loyalty card you don't get your points.
If you forget your "2for1 at Little Chef" coupon you have to pay for both breakfasts.
If you don't do your homework, you get detention.
They wont rescind if you come trotting back two hours later saying "I found it Sir!"

And so on.

If I was in this situation I would be embarrassed yes but accept the facts, pay up and move on.
Life's too short to go around getting other people to cough up for own mistakes.

 

[Antman]

Actually in the case of Boots if you return later with your loyalty card and receipt you can have the points added

 

[island]

I'm sorry but this really is an open and shut case. You don't have your Railcard, you don't get your discount. Its in the T&Cs agreed to when purchasing (either by signing a piece of paper at the booking office or by clicking a check box on line.

If you forget your bus pass then you pay your fare.
If you forget your Boots loyalty card you don't get your points.
If you forget your "2for1 at Little Chef" coupon you have to pay for both breakfasts.
If you don't do your homework, you get detention.
They wont rescind if you come trotting back two hours later saying "I found it Sir!"

And so on.

If I was in this situation I would be embarrassed yes but accept the facts, pay up and move on.
Life's too short to go around getting other people to cough up for own mistakes.

The problem is that these days everyone's looking for someone to blame their mistakes on and to hold liable, and very few people are willing to accept responsibility and hold their hands up and say they were wrong.

 

[34D]

I wonder whether we would be of better service to the poster if a mod split this thread into discussion of online databases/Boots points and left the original thread here, solely for advice on the issue at hand?

 

[Flamingo]

I wouldn't worry too much about the OP. I think they have had all the advice they need.

 

[bb21]

I wouldn't worry too much about the OP. I think they have had all the advice they need.

Yes, agreed.

The best course of action (the only one if the OP does not want the matter to go any further) is to pay it. No ground for complaint from what the OP has described.

Anyone who wishes to discuss matters not directly related to the OP's case should open a new thread.