New mobile app will save train passengers having to remember railcards

Updated

A new mobile app will save train passengers from having to remember their railcards.

Travellers will be able to digitally buy and store the full range of national railcards, including 16-25, Senior and Two Together.

The discount cards can then be shown to rail staff on the app even if a passenger does not have a mobile connection.

Train users are currently forced to pay the full fare if they leave their railcards at home.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of campaign group Transport Focus, said: "Passengers will welcome anything that makes their journey easier and prevent them from being unfairly penalised.

"We have a complex fares system, so it's crucial that the rail industry makes sure that travelling using the railcard app is made simple to use."

Train operators have launched a search for a supplier to develop the app's technology, with the aim of launching it on smartphones and tablets in April next year.

There are more than 3.7 million national railcards in use today.

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