Forgotten your railcard? Use your smartphone instead

RAILCARDS will soon be available on smartphones, meaning that passengers can avoid hefty fines if they forget their paper versions.

National Rail is offering commuters the chance to buy a digital railcard, which they can save on an app. The move could spell the end for the paper vouchers, which give customers a third off the price of train tickets.

The digital 16-25 railcard was introduced this summer, while Two Together, for use by two named adults, and Family & Friends cards will be available soon.

National Rail has also promised that it will introduce a paperless version of the Senior and Disabled Persons Railcards by the end of the year.

It comes after the announcement of a ‘Millennial’ railcard for those aged 26-30 which is to be tested in the area served by Greater Anglia trains from December, with 10,000 initially available.

Currently, if a passenger without their railcard were still to claim the discount they could be handed a penalty fare. Staff can fine forgetful commuters £20 or double the full single fare.

Last night a spokesman for National Rail said that digital railcards would make it quicker and easier for train passengers to save on fares.