Great Western Coffee Shop

16 - 25 railcards give a third off, but have minimum fare restrictions and certain time limits on them.  Yesterday, I found myself unclear when answering questions from a 23 year old who's going to be commuting 5 days a week from Paddington to Maidenhead - a "contraflow" commute.   

The question asked "what's my best fare - do I buy a season ticket or can I use a railcard?".     

Specifics I was unclear of ... do minimum fares early in the day apply per journey or per ticket?  And the question was also asked "can a railcard be used to get a fare that's just a bit over the minimum discounted down to the minimum?"

Second answer is 'yes' as long as the railcard is valid for use on that journey

The minimum fare relates to the ticket the discount is being used against.
Not compared fares but I'd think seasons usually better (no railcard discount on these), however during July and August the minimum fare doesn't apply, so definitely worth looking at some comparisons.

looking at prices....
Weekly season PAD-MAI  £74.70 allows 7-day unlimited travel;
say only travelling once each way on 5 days per week, then...
- 5 daily PAD-MAI fares with 16-25 railcard Sept-Jun 5x£12      = £60
- 5 daily PAD-MAI fares with 16-25 railcard July/Aug 5x£10.50  = £52.50

The savings continue against the longer period seasons (Monthly £286.90, Annual £2,988), so definitely cheaper just using the railcard if only travelling 5 days per week (and also 6 days per week against the weekly), but the season would be cheaper if the railcard holder wants the unlimited 7-day travel offered by the season.

And how is he getting to PAD?