Do They Actually Check Railcards?

Yes, they check your railcard every time they check your ticket. If your railcard hasn’t arrived by the time you travel, you’ll need to order new tickets.

Does your railcard get checked?

Yes. You must show your valid Railcard when you buy your ticket. You also need to have your Railcard with you on each journey and present it to staff when your ticket is checked aboard the train.

Do train people check Railcards?

Yes. You must show your valid 16-25 Railcard (digital or plastic) when you buy your ticket and travel on the train. If you bought your Railcard at a station, both the paper printed Railcard and the photocard must be presented.

What happens if you don’t show your railcard?

If you forget your Railcard you will either be required to buy a new ticket or you may on certain services be liable for a Penalty Fare. However, a train company will normally allow you to claim back this extra expense on the first occasion in each year where this happens.

Do they scan digital Railcards?

Barcodes are also included on every digital railcard which can be scanned by staff. Get Our Free Money Tips Email!

What happens if you get caught using someone elses Railcard?

Fare evasion is a criminal offence and you may be prosecuted. If convicted, you will: Get a criminal record. Pay a fine of up to £1,000.

How much can you get fined for not having a Railcard?

The penalty is £20.00* or TWICE the appropriate single fare from the station where you started your journey to either the next station at which the train stops, or the station you leave the train**, whichever is the greater amount.

Do screenshots of Railcards work?

Established Member. Digital railcards must be shown in the app, screenshots are not acceptable – so the fact it’s a fake will be easily spotted.

Can I buy tickets for someone using my Railcard?

No. The Railcard is for your use only, and provides discounts only on tickets bought for your own use. It does not cover anyone accompanying you.

Can I use a friend’s Railcard?

Am I eligible to use a Family & Friends Railcard? A: Any adult can buy a Family & Friends Railcard. To use it, at least one of the group travelling must be named on the Railcard and there must also be at least one child travelling on a child rate ticket.

Are Railcard photos strict?

We prefer colour pictures but black and white images are acceptable. Your head and shoulders should be in close-up, with your face clearly visible and filling approximately 70% of the frame (in the same way it would for a passport or driving licence). The image must be in sharp focus.

Do you have to show ID with Railcard?

No. Just your name, address and basic information is required.

Is it illegal to travel on a train without a ticket?

Yes. It is your responsibility to have a valid ticket before getting on board. At a station where the ticket office is open and staffed, or ticket machines are working, then you must buy a ticket before you board the train.

Do all Railcards have photos?

Under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ you can select if you want a ‘Digital’ or a ‘Plastic’ Railcard. You will be asked to provide a digital passport-style photo if you select ‘Digital’. You do not need a photo if you have ordered a ‘Plastic’ Network Railcard.

Can I show my Railcard on my phone?

The App is only compatible with devices that have the following software: Apple iOS 10 and above and Android 4.1 and above. The Railcard app is not compatible with Windows Phones.

Is it better to have a digital or physical Railcard?

Digital Railcards are stored within the Railcard app on your smart phone or tablet, meaning there’s no need to carry the physical card around with you. They can be stored on up to two devices and used quicker than plastic Railcards as they do not need to be sent in the post.

Can you go to jail for fare evasion?

People caught fare evading can be charged a penalty fare of £80 (reduced to £40 when paid within 21 days). However, those who repeatedly evade fares or commit more serious offences are prosecuted, which can result in a criminal record and a fine of up to £1,000, as detailed in their enforcement policy.

How long does a criminal record for fare evasion last UK?

It will remain on your record for at least six years if you’re over 18 and at least two years if you are not, after which it is considered “spent”. 5. In either case, if you plead guilty, the matter can be dealt with by filling in the summons form and paying the fine.

Is fare evasion dishonesty?

Fare Evasion is the principal form of dishonesty to affect public transport.

What times do ticket inspectors work?

During a regular day, inspectors are most common during hours of 6am to 6pm. They are most active between rush hours (9-11am and 3-5pm). Weekends feature inspectors with regular consistency throughout the day.

Do Railcards not work before 10am?

Network Railcard discounts are not valid on tickets for travel before 10.00hrs, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). This time restriction applies to all types of tickets. You can use your Network Railcard to get discounts on tickets for travel at any time on weekends and public holidays.