Are the railways missing a trick here?

[whole diary]

[Brucey]

There is no surprise when I say that I prefer travelling First Class wherever possible.  However, still being eligible for a 16-25 railcard, the difference in fare between First and Standard is substantial (e.g. Bristol to London off-peak return ^42.55 vs ^179.00).  In cases like this, it simply isn't worth paying the extra so I end up travelling standard.

Surely the railways are missing something here?  Young people are the future of railway travel.  If you get them into first class early, then they'll probably stick with it for the rest of their lives.

I can see the argument for wanting to keep "troublesome teens" out of first, but for those who fall into the latter part of the age range who are no longer "tax dodging students" there could definitely be benefits to letting them trial first class at a reduced price.

[EBrown]

RCD discounts are generally available on AP 1ST Class tickets and also on some Rovers, being 'cheapskates' it seems they would be more likely to travel on AP tickets?

[thetrout]

16-25 is valid on First Off Peak Day Returns I believe too.

Agreed though, my parents when travelling on my own for any lengthy distance insisted I travel First Class. First on Child Tickets, then YP on AP tickets as EBrown suggested. Until I found shortly after purchasing the YP I was elidgeable for a Disabled Railcard Discount.

Having the DSB does help and now nearly 10 years on from my First Solo journey. I still travel First Class. I personally though find ^126 for an FSR^▸ (First Scot Rail) from BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains) - PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) far too expensive. When I can get a FDS from Westbury into London Waterloo on the day for around ^45 IIRC^▸ (if I recall/remember/read correctly) then I can't justify ^126 for what would be a more restrictive ticket!

I can also see the argument for troublesome teens in First Class. But my personal and somewhat hidden view on it is this: if they're willing to pay for it, they can carry on. If they were being troublesome in First, why would they be any different in Standard?

Got to run but I'll add a few more points to this later on if I remember!

[Brucey]

16-25 is valid on First Off Peak Day Returns I believe too.

Unfortunately not.  Only on First Class Advance fares.

[thetrout]

When did they change that then?!

I once purchased a First Off Peak Day Return from Frome - Taunton at Trowbridge. The Gentlemen who served me issued the ticket with Young Persons Railcard and not my Disabled Railcard. When I queried it he said it was the exact same discount so don't worry about it. As there was an enormous queue I didn't press the issue.

Nobody seemed to bat an eyelid or even ask for the Y-P Railcard I didn't have...

*Edit* Of course... You're right. Just checked the same ticket again and it quotes ^15.20 with DSB and ^23.00 with 16-25... Ticket Office must have sold me a ticket that could never be valid. Just like Super Off Peak Travelcards from Chalkwell - Z1-6 on a weekday