Experiment - swap 16-17 and 16-25 railcards in drop down lists

[Egg Centric]

There are lots of cases of people who select 16-17 railcard when they "mean" 16-25 railcard. Very few indeed the other way around.

Cynics will note that 16-17 railcard gives a better discount and terms.

Non cynics however will note that the 16-17 railcard is usually "first in the list" on any "select a railcard" drop down when buying a ticket. So to the extent that there is genuine confusion, it would promote selecting the 16-17.

I propose therefore that retailers could agree to put the 16-25 railcard first, rather than 16-17 railcard, for a few months. And we see to what extent, if at all, the confusion now goes "the other way".

 

[Bertie the bus]

Similarly, I propose moving Wembley Stadium station to somewhere in Buckinghamshire to see whether those confused people who accidently purchase Wembley Stadium – Marylebone tickets start buying ones for the journey they have made.

 

[Kite159]

Or adjust the 16-25 Railcard so it's a 18-25 Railcard.

Or even get rid of the 16-17 Saver and allow 16+17 year olds child rate tickets.

 

[N1]

Or adjust the 16-25 Railcard so it's a 18-25 Railcard.

Or be even more sensible and just have an 18-30 Railcard.

Or even get rid of the 16-17 Saver and allow 16+17 year olds child rate tickets

As is done to varying levels in some places already. Translink yLink gives 50% off for 17-23 year olds, and Scotland NEC gives half off seasons, but only a third of singles and returns. Both are free.

As a easy to implement thing changing the order might make a small impact with no real negatives against.

 

[JonathanH]

Or be even more sensible and just have an 18-30 Railcard.

With removal of the July / August concession?

 

[N1]

With removal of the July / August concession?

Well, selfishly I would like it to be retained, as a current 26-30 Railcard holder, along with the other benefits

 

[Trainbike46]

There are lots of cases of people who select 16-17 railcard when they "mean" 16-25 railcard. Very few indeed the other way around.

Cynics will note that 16-17 railcard gives a better discount and terms.

Non cynics however will note that the 16-17 railcard is usually "first in the list" on any "select a railcard" drop down when buying a ticket. So to the extent that there is genuine confusion, it would promote selecting the 16-17.

I propose therefore that retailers could agree to put the 16-25 railcard first, rather than 16-17 railcard, for a few months. And we see to what extent, if at all, the confusion now goes "the other way".

It'd be a good idea to swap them around, it makes truly accidental mis-selection less likely, and when it does happen it would be in the way that doesn't risk prosecution.

Or be even more sensible and just have an 18-30 Railcard.

That would be sensible. I always thought it was an odd choice to have a separate 26-30 railcard with slightly different conditions, it seems unnecessarily complex to me.

With removal of the July / August concession?

The July/August concession being that the minimum fare before 10am rule doesn't exist in those months?

As the logic for having the 10am rule doesn't really apply in July or August, I'd suggest retaining it for both. For most passengers, the difference has to be pretty limited though!

 

[kkong]

Or be even more sensible and just have an 18-30 Railcard.

That would disadvantage some young passengers who currently use the 16-25 Railcard on ScotRail (and, to a much lesser extent, Caledonian Sleeper), where the 16-17 Saver isn't valid.

 

[N1]

That would disadvantage some young passengers who currently use the 16-25 Railcard on ScotRail (and, to a much lesser extent, Caledonian Sleeper), where the 16-17 Saver isn't valid.

It would. Again, in a sensible world Scot Government would allow 16-17 saver to be used on Scotrail and Sleeper, and make the Young Scot NEC card discount the same as 16-17 saver (not quite as generous now).

 

[kkong]

It would. Again, in a sensible world Scot Government would allow 16-17 saver to be used on Scotrail and Sleeper, and make the Young Scot NEC card discount the same as 16-17 saver (not quite as generous now).

I believe the 16-17 Saver isn't accepted because it is a type of "railcard" (importantly, with a higher percentage discount than other railcards) which was introduced after ScotGov became responsible for Scottish railway finances.

I assume they didn't reach a financial settlement to their liking with ATOC/RDG or whoever else, hence it not being accepted.