RailCards that give discounts of up to 50% can now be used with Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern‘s ‘keyGo’ smartcard service.

This removes the need to queue or book ahead for most paper tickets, which helps with the current social distancing guidelines due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

This is a first for the rail industry for discounts with smartcard technology, and means passengers with railcards can now tap in and out of railway stations. Their account will automatically be charged the best value fare, with any discount included.

Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “KeyGo itself was an industry-first, giving passengers the convenience and simplicity of pay-as-you-go smartcard travel, and since its introduction we have been developing the technology to increase the routes it can be used on, the value it offers, and the number of passengers who can benefit.

“Coupling keyGo with discount Railcards is a game-changer, with so many more people now able to take advantage of tap-in, tap-out travel.

“It’s something our passengers have been asking for, especially since the 26-30 Railcard became available, and will save people time queuing for tickets, also aiding social distancing.”

The following Railcard types can be applied to keyGo:

16-17 Saver
16-25 Railcard
26-30 Railcard
Senior Railcard
HM Forces Railcard
Annual Gold Card
Disabled Person’s Railcard (Adult and Child)
Network Railcard
JobCentre Plus Travel Discount card.

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