From 15 September 2006, Young Persons, Family and Senior Railcards are available to buy online for the first time - making it easier than ever for rail travellers to save money.

Traditionally, Railcards have been available to purchase at stations, rail appointed travel agents and train operator Telesales outlets, but the launch of the new service follows demand for alternative ways to purchase.   The online service has been designed to be easy and safe for customers to use, with measures taken to ensure proof of age documents are validated and data protected.  With a secure credit/debit facility, Railcards purchased online will be delivered within three working days, making train travel and – most importantly - saving money on tickets, quicker and more accessible than ever before.

The new service can be used to purchase all three Railcards and for just £20,   customers will be able to save a third on most standard rail fares throughout Britain for a whole year.

Young Persons Railcard: Available to anyone aged 16-25 Young Persons Railcard holders save a third on most Standard rail fares for a whole year. Customers will need to provide proof of age either by supplying details of their valid UK passport or UK driving licence. A passport style image is incorporated into the card and this can be uploaded during the online application or mailed in separately if the applicant does not have an electronic version at hand
To buy, log onto www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk

Family Railcard: Adults save a third on most standard rail fares and children’s fares are reduced by 60%. Up to four adults and four children can save on fares with one Family Railcard – minimum 1 adult and 1 child - and those travelling do not have to be related. Available to buy from www.family-railcard.co.uk

Senior Railcard: Available to anyone aged 60 or over. Customers will need to provide proof of age either by supplying details of their valid UK passport or UK driving licence. Customers can travel in style, with the Railcard offering a third on most First     Class fares as well as most Standard rail fares throughout Britain. Available to buy from www.senior-railcard.co.uk

Andrew Robertson, Head of Marketing for Railcards, said of the new service: “Most people don’t realise that the small initial outlay for a Railcard, just £20, is covered by the savings they make within the first couple of journeys. After this, all eligible travellers are reaping the benefits of the Railcard, giving them the opportunity to concentrate on enjoying their journey and making the most of their trip once they get to their destination.”

The launch of online sales is being accompanied by a number of added value offers available to each specific Railcard.   In addition, all Railcard holders will be able claim 20% off products from mainline railway station outlets of Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Bonapartes, Caffe Ritazza, Delice de France, The Pasty Shop, Burger King, Ixxy’s Bagels, Taste!, A Piece of Cake and Millies Cookies to take with them on their journey.

As well as being able to purchase Railcards online, all three Railcards will remain available to purchase at stations across Britain. To find out more, log onto www.railcard.co.ukor call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 for details of individual companies’ Telesales numbers.