A DISCOUNT rail card aimed at cutting the cost of rail travel ended up costing a Bolton family more.

William Gray, of Valpy Avenue, Hall 'i'th' Wood, renewed his £20 family rail card this month.

But he says changes to its conditions of use have been introduced and now it is costing more for his family to travel with the card than without it.

In the past Mr Gray says his family saved money by using the rail card.

"It's utterly ridiculous," he stormed. "What's the point in having a family rail card if it costs more to use it?"

Mr Gray, his wife Maureen, and nine-month old daughter Jessica, make frequent trips from Bolton to Preston to see relatives.

But last week when they renewed their rail card they found it cost more to travel to Preston with a rail card than without one.

With the new style card, the family now have to pay for Jessica to travel. Without a rail card passengers do not have to pay for children under five.

Mr Gray has found that using the rail card it now costs his wife and daughter £5.15 for a return ticket to Preston. Without a rail card it would cost £4.80.

"I think from now on we'll be travelling by bus," he added.

Paul Lawson, external affairs manager for ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies), said: "The family rail card offers substantial discounts on a range of tickets and clearly the reason for having the card is the discounts it offers for adults."

He explained that with a rail card there is a flat fare of £2 for children under 16. Without a rail card children under five go free but tickets must be purchased for children over that age.

"What's happening in this case is the journey is not long enough and there are not enough people travelling to get a discount. If there were two adults travelling with the child the fare would be cheaper.

"Obviously it is up to people's judgement when to use their rail card."

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