Forgetting your railcard can mean a hefty bill when the ticket inspector comes – or at least it used to
16:35, 15 Jan 2018Updated 08:45, 26 Mar 2018
If you own a railcard, you can now access it straight from your phone(Image: Getty)
Railcard holders can now access their cards anywhere, anytime, providing they have a smartphone to hand, National Rail has announced.
Three months after the digitisation of the 16-25 railcard, the Two Together and Friends and Family versions have followed suit - meaning you can now buy, renew and display your card on the go from your phone or tablet.
Railcards offer travellers a way to save a third on their journeys all year round.
They're mostly useful for regular travellers - such as students - although anyone can purchase one, providing you fall into one of the required age.
The digital upgrade means you can now order your card anywhere on the Railcard App - which can then be showed to the ticket inspector on request.
Who can save with a railcard
No more forgetting your card!(Image: Getty)
The Two Together railcard - ideal for couples - entitles both cardholders to a third off when travelling together.
With a Family and Friends railcard, you can get a third off most adult fares and 60% off kids' fares (aged 5-15) throughout Britain.
You can have two adults named on one card so when one cardholder isn't using it, the other can, which is ideal for parents.
Travellers who chose against the digital card still have the option to order a paper copy at their local train station or online - the price remains the same at £30 for a one-year-pass.
Jyoti Bird, director at National Rail said: "Railcards were developed by train companies to help customers save money on journeys that connect them to people, opportunities and other places in Britan.
"On average, railcard holders travel 50 miles per journey and save around £150 each on rail journeys.
"With four out of five UK adults owning a smartphone, it was important for us to be able to provide railcards in formats that make travelling even easier.
"With the introduction of digital railcards, customers no longer have to worry about losing or forgetting their railcards as they travel home laden with bags and gifts."