Why can't Railcard discounts be automatically applied?

[islandmonkey]

Mod note:
Moved from thread Trip.com digital Railcards


What's stopping Railcard discount from simply being auto-applied to the ticket? From an idiot's point of view. Or just auto verified.

 

[30907]

Mod note:
Moved from thread Trip.com digital Railcards


What's stopping Railcard discount from simply being auto-applied to the ticket? From an idiot's point of view. Or just auto verified.

1. I think train operators sensibly require you to select Railcard discount when booking, or at least have it saved on the site/app.
2. AFAIK the database of railcards (not all of which are digital) is not connected to any ticketing database - whether it could be I don't know.

 

[Wallsendmag]

Is every ticket you buy only for you? I’m sure that my purchases are never for me.

 

[eastwestdivide]

You might have a two together as well as another railcard - I do.
So the booking system wouldn’t know which to apply even if you told it which two railcards you held.
When booking two tickets, they’re not necessarily for the two on the two-tog card, and when booking one ticket, it might be for someone else without a railcard

 

[planetf1]

A very specific case, but if using Thamelink 'keygo' PAYG option, the railcard is linked, and then one travels as normal, with discounts automatically applied.
Works great, within the limitations of
- can't use on underground/bus in london
- only for GTR stations (mostly)
- can't use split ticket price reductions.