anytime fares

[phcov]

traveling from Coventry to Banbury day return during the week with a 16-25 railcard.

For the earliest train (0625-0655ish), the anytime return fare is £12.00. For some later trains, the anytime return fare is £9.25.

My question is, as Anytime fares have no restriction on when you can travel, can I buy the anytime return at the cheapest price yet still travel on the first train?

I am assuming you can't but if not, why? and how would the ticket inspector know from looking at my ticket?

 

[yorkie]

There is a £12 minimum fare applicable on weekdays to most ticket types when using a 16-25 Railcard during the months September to June inclusive, before 10:00.

So if you want to travel at 0625, you need to pay £12.

 

[SS4]

Indeed you can't and the inspector would be able to tell by looking at the railcard discount on your ticket (it used to be Y-P but not sure what it is now).

The difference is due to a minimum fare restriction on the 16-25 railcard which is £12 before 10am(?) except on Weekends, Public Holidays and the months of July and August.

 

[gray1404]

The Anytime Day Return fare is £9.25. However, if you are travelling using your railcard a £12 minimum fare applies on all journeys starting between 04:30 and 09:59 Monday to Friday (excluding July and August). If you know exactly when you want to travel and can commit to specific trains there are some really cheap Advance fares on that route (with your railcard) starting at just £1.80 each way with Cross Country. Advance tickets are not subject to the minimum fare either.