I had a feeling someone would pick up on that. I am actually inclined to agree with you. The wording has changed. It used to be something like:
"The exception being a Disabled Railcard where the full range of tickets will remain available" for most
TOCs▸ .
CrossCountry have a completely different wording altogether (PDF Document):If disability prevents you from buying your ticket before boarding the train our staff will still offer you the same range of walk-up fares on the train as those available at stations, with the appropriate Disabled Persons Railcard reduction if applicable
As do Virgin Trains (PDF Document):In training provided to our on train staff, they are advised to allow disabled customers who, due to their disability, have been
unable to buy a ticket before boarding the train, to use their Railcard, or not to be otherwise disadvantaged by being unable to buy a ticket at the station
That is slightly vague and quite insidious as it could be argued that it applies discretion. But with all due respect to all the great staff out there. I don't think it is appropriate or fair for a member of railway staff to pass judgment on someones disability for not using a ticket machine as in the case point. I'll expand on this a little to show reasoning.
Taking Schizophrenia and OCD as examples. Completely hidden but could be very real reasons for not using a ticket machine/station booking office. As could Panic Disorder and Autism. It could be something as simple as not liking the look of the person in the ticket office. Or someone stood nearby that those voices say is a spy.
Very relevant to the case point is if someone with such a disability had paid the incorrect fare in the past and/or got it wrong and fell foul of Revenue Teams... "That machine is working for the spies and is not to be trusted"
Whilst some of these things sound far-fetched. To someone with Psychosis it is a very real scenario.
If the member of staff in such situations has no understanding or awareness of the disability presented then discretion (or lack of) becomes biased and unfair to all involved.
(East Midlands Trains - about)-Helping-Passengers.pdf" target="_blank">EMT's policy is even more blunt (PDF Document):
You can buy your ticket on the train or at your destination, without penalty, if you cannot purchase your ticket before boarding.
Is that a Penalty Fare or "without penalty" meaning all tickets will be available?
All in all a very horrible grey area which doesn't have an easy solution for anyone.
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