Some questions about the 16-25 railcard

[SouthEastBuses]

I am interested in applying for a 16-25 railcard in order to be able to travel by train more often (whether it's for leisure, or for essential travel) without having to pay standard expensive train tickets.

But I have question: I am currently a student at University. I'm currently 19 (will be 20 on the 24th of August), and as a result, when applying, do I need to tick "Am I a mature student?". Also my uni will be doing blended learning, does this mean I am still eligible for a 16-25 railcard?

Looking forward to hear from all of you soon.

 

[alistairlees]

Your under 26, so that’s all that matters.

 

[SouthEastBuses]

Your under 26, so that’s all that matters.

Thank you for the reply, so this means I don't need to tick "Am I mature student?" when applying, right?

 

[alistairlees]

That’s correct. You are not a mature student. If you were over 25, but still a student, then you would be.

 

[SouthEastBuses]

That’s correct. You are not a mature student. If you were over 25, but still a student, then you would be.

Thank you! Much appreciated

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Aug 2021 ==

That’s correct. You are not a mature student. If you were over 25, but still a student, then you would be.

I guess that would mean that if you were over 25 and a mature student, then you would still be able to apply for a 16-25 railcard, even if you are, say 27 years old. My other understanding is that if you're over 25 and are not a mature student, then you'd have to apply for the 26-30 railcard.

 

[MikeWh]

I guess that would mean that if you were over 25 and a mature student, then you would still be able to apply for a 16-25 railcard, even if you are, say 27 years old. My other understanding is that if you're over 25 and are not a mature student, then you'd have to apply for the 26-30 railcard.

Yes, that's correct. The 16-25 railcard started out life as the student railcard and has retained the ability to be used by students of any age.

 

[Wallsendmag]

Yes, that's correct. The 16-25 railcard started out life as the student railcard and has retained the ability to be used by students of any age.

cough cough Young Persons Railcard

 

[MikeWh]

cough cough Young Persons Railcard

16–25 Railcard - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

This original scheme, which was intended as a trial, was changed and relaunched in October 1974 under the new name Student Railcard.

 

[Horizon22]

Thank you for the reply, so this means I don't need to tick "Am I mature student?" when applying, right?

No you don't. If you were a mature student (i.e older than 25 in this regard), I believe RDG needs extra proof (i.e a letter from the university) to give you the railcard.

 

[HSP 2]

I've just had a quick look in the terms and conditions of the 16 - 25 railcard and this one surprised me a bit, the ones in red.

"4. Conditions of use of the 16-25 Railcard

4.1. You must be aged between 16 and 25 years old to purchase this Railcard, unless you qualify under condition 4.3.

4.2. 3-year 16-25 Railcards are available online only and may be purchased up until the day before your 24th birthday.

4.3. If you are a full-time student over 25 years old, you may purchase the 1-year Railcard with valid proof of full time study. See 16-25railcard.co.uk/maturestudents for details of the valid proof required.

4.4. If you bought your physical Railcard at a rail station, you must carry your separate 16-25 Photocard that was issued at the time of purchase (or where appropriate a ‘Permit to travel without Photocard’) and you must present this in any circumstance where you present your physical Railcard (i.e. when buying tickets and travelling with Railcard discounted tickets).

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.

INFORMATION:

• As long as you are aged 25 at the time you purchased the 1-year Railcard, you may still travel at the discounted fare throughout the validity period of the Railcard. Likewise, 3-year 16-25 Railcards purchased by the day before your 24th birthday will be valid for a full 3 years."

So it looks like you can get two more years out of the railcard if you buy it at the right time.

 

[route101]

I got one at 31 as a mature student. They need a stamp from your Uni on the form.

 

[MikeWh]

So it looks like you can get two more years out of the railcard if you buy it at the right time.

No. You can buy a 1 year railcard up to the day before your 26th birthday and a 3 year railcard up to the day before your 24th birthday. Both will expire the day before your 27th birthday.

 

[fairlie]

Feels awkward buying one when you're old...!