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Title: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: JayMac on February 01, 2014, 03:25:40 Moderator note: This post and subsequent replies have been split from another topic: http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=13483.msg147231#msg147231
FYI there's a new railcard coming in a few months. This one is an off-peak only card and is valid after 0930. (More confusion! ::) ) More information please! I've seen nothing from ATOC, mention on other forums, or online. When is it coming? What are the eligibility criteria? What's it called? Any links to further information? Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: The Tall Controller on February 01, 2014, 12:29:27 FYI there's a new railcard coming in a few months. This one is an off-peak only card and is valid after 0930. (More confusion! ::) ) More information please! I've seen nothing from ATOC, mention on other forums, or online. When is it coming? What are the eligibility criteria? What's it called? Any links to further information? It was announced to staff yesterday, It's called a 'Two Together' railcard and will be coming in March/April. Basically 2 nominared people of any age above 16 will be allowed to buy a railcard and travel with 1/3 off as long as they travel together at all times. It's similar to a yp railcard in that both nominated travellers must supply a photo to accompany the card. It will be purple in colour and posters will start being displayed late March. I am currently unaware of any online information. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: Lee on February 01, 2014, 13:35:35 Sounds familiar. Wasnt this trialled a while back?
Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: JayMac on February 01, 2014, 14:14:43 It was announced to staff yesterday, It's called a 'Two Together' railcard and will be coming in March/April. Basically 2 nominared people of any age above 16 will be allowed to buy a railcard and travel with 1/3 off as long as they travel together at all times. It's similar to a yp railcard in that both nominated travellers must supply a photo to accompany the card. It will be purple in colour and posters will start being displayed late March. I am currently unaware of any online information. There was a trial of this product in 2012, available to those living in a West Midlands postcode area. After the trial ended ATOC said there no plans to roll it out nationally. I wonder what's changed? Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: grahame on February 01, 2014, 14:19:36 It was announced to staff yesterday, It's called a 'Two Together' railcard and will be coming in March/April. Basically 2 nominared people of any age above 16 will be allowed to buy a railcard and travel with 1/3 off as long as they travel together at all times. It's similar to a yp railcard in that both nominated travellers must supply a photo to accompany the card. It will be purple in colour and posters will start being displayed late March. I am currently unaware of any online information. There was a trial of this product in 2012, available to those living in a West Midlands postcode area. After the trial ended ATOC said there no plans to roll it out nationally. I wonder what's changed? What have the railways got against lone able bodied travellers aged 26 to 59 and outside the South East Cornwall / some other areas (?) who want to travel off peak? Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: Brucey on February 01, 2014, 18:17:17 It was announced to staff yesterday, It's called a 'Two Together' railcard and will be coming in March/April. Basically 2 nominared people of any age above 16 will be allowed to buy a railcard and travel with 1/3 off as long as they travel together at all times. It's similar to a yp railcard in that both nominated travellers must supply a photo to accompany the card. It will be purple in colour and posters will start being displayed late March. I am currently unaware of any online information. There was a trial of this product in 2012, available to those living in a West Midlands postcode area. After the trial ended ATOC said there no plans to roll it out nationally. I wonder what's changed? What have the railways got against lone able bodied travellers aged 26 to 59 and outside the South East Cornwall / some other areas (?) who want to travel off peak? Sadly driving as a lone person (even WITH a railcard) often beats the train. Just today I made a return journey that was cheaper to drive than get the train. It was considerably faster and I was able to reach parts of my destination that wouldn't have been possible relying on the bus (especially as PlusBus didn't include one of the suburbs that I needed to visit). The whole journey was warm and dry, whereas public transport would have involved at least 6 waits on cold platforms or at bus stops. Only downside was I spent 3 hours driving in total, which I could have spent doing something else on the train. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: Richard Fairhurst on February 01, 2014, 23:26:08 Interesting that the Two Together Railcard appeared, unheralded, as an option on ticket machines (well, at least the one here in Charlbury) a couple of months back.
Bit exasperating, though, that from now on I'll need three railcards to get the best fares: a Network Railcard when I'm going to London off-peak, a Cotswold Line Railcard when I'm going to Oxford or Worcester off-peak on weekdays, and a Two Together Railcard when Anna and I are going outside NSE territory together. It shouldn't be that hard... Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: ChrisB on February 02, 2014, 12:53:15 Yup, me too. I make a substantial number of journeys along the Cotswold Line even though I don't reside on it. Assume it'll be ^30
Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: JayMac on February 27, 2014, 09:15:13 The Two Together Railcard will go on sale at 9am on Monday 3rd March 2014.
There is currently a placeholder countdown on the official website: http://www.twotogether-railcard.co.uk/ Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: Rhydgaled on February 27, 2014, 09:40:51 Bit exasperating, though, that from now on I'll need three railcards to get the best fares: a Network Railcard when I'm going to London off-peak, a Cotswold Line Railcard when I'm going to Oxford or Worcester off-peak on weekdays, and a Two Together Railcard when Anna and I are going outside NSE territory together. It shouldn't be that hard... It certainly starts sounding a bit silly when you put it like that.Why can't the two individual national railcard products (senior and 16-25) be available to anyone? I think these differ in peak restrictions (senior has none, 16-25 says not before 10am Monday-Friday except in school holidays, if I'm right and I could be wrong), so you could rename the senior one ANYTIME RAILCARD and the 16-25 OFF-PEAK RAILCARD. Rather than restricting purchase of these to certain age groups, you could give senior citizens a discount on the purchase of an ANYTIME RAILCARD and students a discount on the purchase of an OFF-PEAK RAILCARD. This means a student who wants to travel before 10am could still buy the senior/ANYTIME RAILCARD, but at a higher price. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: grahame on February 27, 2014, 10:10:26 Why can't the two individual national railcard products (senior and 16-25) be available to anyone? Hear, hear I think the reason is that adults in the middle years of life are likely to be more affluent, perhaps travelling on business, and as such will pay the non-discounted fares rather than being put off travelling completely or switching to a much slower 'express' coach. Where multiple people travel together, the car v train equation starts to look more favourable to the car without discounts. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: ChrisB on February 27, 2014, 10:22:03 Exactly is the reason. Trains are full weekdays already generally, why the need to discount?
Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: Rhydgaled on February 27, 2014, 15:23:03 I think the reason is that adults in the middle years of life are likely to be more affluent Sure, which is why I suggested the purchase price of the railcards being more expensive, with discounts for students/seniors. That reflects the fact "adults in the middle years of life" are more likely to have an income, while not excluding them from individual railcards altogether. Quote and as such will pay the non-discounted fares rather than being put off travelling completely or switching to a much slower 'express' coach. Of course Arriva's former CymruExpress 20 coach between Carmarthen and Cardiff* was alot faster than the train.* originating from Aberystwyth Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: Tim on February 27, 2014, 15:54:36 I think that is a good move. Shows the railways are serious about taking on the competition provided by cars. Logic is precisely the same as groupsave.
Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: ChrisB on February 28, 2014, 14:40:24 From Simon Calder in the Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/new-two-together-railcard-will-see-couples-saving-one-third-on-rail-fares-when-they-travel-together-9158282.html)
Quote Q. What are the benefits? A. One-third off many Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak and Advance fares across the National Rail network for two people travelling together. The card also includes airport express services, and ferry-inclusive journeys such as trips to or from the Isle of Wight. Q. And the time restrictions? A. The card is not valid for ^walk-up^ tickets (ie Anytime or Off-peak) on morning rush-hour trains. It is believed the restriction will apply on all trains due to depart between 4.30am and 9.30am, Monday to Friday. You can still get the discount on these trains if you book Advance tickets. Q. Can either of us travel alone or with other people? A. No. The discount applies only when you travel together. Any variation, such as only one of you making the return journey, invalidates the tickets. Q. Can I buy more than one Two Together cards? A. Yes, and many people will, even for a one-off journey. Take a standard London-Birmingham off-peak round trip: ^50.50 per person on Virgin Trains, so ^101 for two. The Two Together fare, plus the cost of a new railcard, is ^96.70, which saves enough for a cup of tea each en route. Leaving London after 0930 means arrival after lunch at many destinations....a tad tight, methinks in reverse peak flows. I can see family adult groups having more than one too... Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: didcotdean on February 28, 2014, 16:15:52 Reported that the Two Together card won't have a minimum fare like Network & 16-25 cards.
Why have it starting at 9:30 though, when the Network Card starts at 10:00 and off-peak often starts at 9:00? Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on February 28, 2014, 17:56:46 I agree it does seem odd to add another complication to an already complex system by having a different time restriction.
Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: SDS on March 01, 2014, 16:25:43 Validity
Can I travel with my Two Together Railcard at any time of the day? You can travel on Two Together Railcard discounted tickets from 09:30am Monday to Friday and at any time on weekends and public holidays. Two Together Railcard discounted tickets cannot be used between 04:30am and 09:30am Monday to Fridays (excluding public holidays). So Simon Calder is apparently wrong about advance tickets. Why can^t the Two Together Railcard be used before 09.30 Monday to Friday? The Two Together Railcard is designed to encourage leisure journeys which tend to take place after the busy morning peak period. Can I travel with a Two Together Railcard discounted ticket in the evening peak? Yes, providing your ticket type is valid during the evening peak you should be able to travel. The only restriction with the Two Together Railcard is during the morning peak period. Is there a minimum fare? There is no minimum fare for Two Together Railcard discounted tickets. Can I use my Railcard on any Train Company? Yes, you can. [hex included??] Can I purchase First Class tickets with my Railcard? Yes, First Class tickets can be purchased using your Two Together Railcard. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on March 01, 2014, 19:35:06 Can I purchase First Class tickets with my Railcard? Yes, First Class tickets can be purchased using your Two Together Railcard. Hadn't spotted that before - that clinches it for me to get one. (Once I find someone brave enough to travel with me! ;D ) Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: grahame on March 01, 2014, 19:39:35 Can I purchase First Class tickets with my Railcard? Yes, First Class tickets can be purchased using your Two Together Railcard. Hadn't spotted that before - that clinches it for me to get one. (Once I find someone brave enough to travel with me! ;D ) I would, but ... Quote The discount applies only when both of you travel together. Any variation ^ such as only one of you making the return journey ^ renders the discounted tickets invalid. ... I don't think we can use it if you're up the posh end and I'm in standard. "Together" would imply the same train to me (our party of 4 was split between 2 carriages last weekend, no problem on groupsave 4), but then it says "ANY variation" ... Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on March 01, 2014, 19:50:00 Anyone know if it will offer discounts on Rovers?
Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: SDS on March 01, 2014, 22:59:40 Anyone know if it will offer discounts on Rovers? Prob if you both have the same rover. I doubt it. Nothing however in the brief that says otherwise. But then it doesn't say it IS valid. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: JayMac on March 03, 2014, 06:21:56 From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26407840):
Quote 'Two Together Railcard' goes on sale (http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/73314000/jpg/_73314252_73314247.jpg) A new national railcard allowing two people travelling together to save a third on train fares has gone on sale. The ^30-a-year "Two Together Railcard" can be used on journeys after 09:30 on weekdays and all day at weekends by two named and photographed people. Railcards were previously only available to those under 26, over 60, disabled, serving in the armed forces or travelling with children. It is the first new national railcard to be launched for 30 years. The new card can be used to save on standard and first class anytime, off-peak and advance tickets for travel throughout Britain after 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and bank holidays. For example, two super off-peak single tickets from Birmingham New Street to London Euston, which would normally cost ^45.80, would cost ^30.50 - a saving of ^15.30 - for two passengers using the new railcard. Two advance single tickets from Newcastle to Leeds will now cost ^14.50 - saving ^7.50. David Mapp, commercial director at the Association of Train Operating Companies, said: "It's ideal for visiting family and friends, day trips or weekend breaks, so the Two Together Railcard will encourage more people to leave the car at home and take the train instead. "As well as savings on rail travel, the new railcard also offers savings on attractions, theatre shows, restaurants, hotels and more." Any two people can apply to buy the railcard - whether they are a couple, relatives, colleagues who regularly share a trip or commute, or two friends who regularly travel together. But the discount will only apply to journeys they are on together. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on March 03, 2014, 07:12:06 Quote Railcards were previously only available to those under 26, over 60, disabled, serving in the armed forces or travelling with children. It is the first new national railcard to be launched for 30 years. Slightly badly worded, but there is of course the Network card which is available to all ages, although not of course valid nationally. I assume this was the last card launched 30 years ago they refer to! Anyhow, the website http://www.railcard.co.uk/ (http://www.railcard.co.uk/) is now live for applications for the new card. Wonder how long it will be before you can book tickets on line using it. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: JayMac on March 03, 2014, 08:29:00 Wonder how long it will be before you can book tickets on line using it. Now. If you use redspottedhanky.com. ;) Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: brompton rail on March 03, 2014, 13:37:19 Anyone know if it will offer discounts on Rovers? Prob if you both have the same rover. I doubt it. Nothing however in the brief that says otherwise. But then it doesn't say it IS valid. Buried deep in the "types of tickets" section it list which can attract discount (Anytime, Off Peak, Super Off Peak, Advance etc), and those that don't - Oyster, ..... 'Most Rovers and Rangers! No definition of " most "! Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on March 03, 2014, 15:52:47 Wonder how long it will be before you can book tickets on line using it. Now. If you use redspottedhanky.com. ;) I must admit I can't see the discount on there, however I am told they will be available on FGW WebTIS tomorrow (Tuesday). Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: JayMac on March 03, 2014, 19:25:37 It would appear that it is only on 'old skool' redspottedhanky.com. That is, the original and best 'Mixing Deck' version. Why they had to change I don't know. Unless RSH wanted to differentiate their own product from the third party ones they provide. Some editing of cookies may be needed to get the Mixing Deck version to load as default. I have the following bookmarked:
http://tickets.redspottedhanky.com/rsh/en/journeyplanning/mixingdeck Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: JayMac on March 03, 2014, 19:36:08 Also, there's a couple of promo codes floating around that'll get you a 10% discount on the Two Together Railcard if you buy online.
Codes are LEAFLET3 or FRIENDS I have checked and both are currently working. No idea how long they will remain valid for though. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: JayMac on March 03, 2014, 20:30:20 It now appears that 'Two Together' is an option on the FGW booking engine. And it is applying the discount to the various Rovers and Rangers that can be purchased via FGW online. Except the 'All Line Rover' products.
Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on March 03, 2014, 20:34:04 It now appears that 'Two Together' is an option on the FGW booking engine. And it is applying the discount to the various Rovers and Rangers that can be purchased via FGW online. Except the 'All Line Rover' products. That confirms a conversation I had with a very helpful booking clerk at Oxford this afternoon. While we obviously didn't have time to go through every rover he did kindly check the Thames Rover and the Freedom of South West and both did offer the discount. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on March 03, 2014, 21:14:06 Also, there's a couple of promo codes floating around that'll get you a 10% discount on the Two Together Railcard if you buy online. Codes are LEAFLET3 or FRIENDS I have checked and both are currently working. No idea how long they will remain valid for though. Just got round to reading the leaflet I picked up from a station today (after I had bought the card on line at full price) and the LEAFLET3 code is quoted as being vaild until 6th September 2014. I assume as the card is not valid between 04:30 and 09:30 on weekdays it means any Rovers bought with it are similarly not valid during those periods. This would being it in line with, say, the Thames Rover which is normally valid from 09:30 or earlier unless bought with a Network Card and then it doesn't become valid until 10:00. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: grahame on March 04, 2014, 12:40:42 Quote PEOPLE in damaging relationships will stay together to get a third off rail travel, it has been claimed. http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/couples-railcard-to-trap-thousands-in-hateful-relationships-2014030384196 Thanks to Ollie for posting that on Facebook ... Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on March 04, 2014, 18:20:27 Discounted tickets are now available from station ticket machines - well in Swindon at least....
Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on March 04, 2014, 23:50:15 It now appears that 'Two Together' is an option on the FGW booking engine. And it is applying the discount to the various Rovers and Rangers that can be purchased via FGW online. Except the 'All Line Rover' products. Just to confirm you need to go direct to the FGW ticket site at http://tickets.firstgreatwestern.co.uk (http://tickets.firstgreatwestern.co.uk). If you go via the front page of the main site the Two Together option isn't there. Title: Re: Two Together Railcard national rollout, March 2014 Post by: bobm on March 13, 2014, 13:10:43 The front page of the FGW website has now been updated and you can select the new card from there.
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