30th Anniversary of the Disabled Persons Railcard

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This year provides great cause for celebration here at Railcard Towers as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Disabled Persons Railcard. Hailing back to the days of British Rail and the 1981 International Year of Disabled People, a specific Railcard for disabled people was first launched in the autumn of that year, many many moons ago!

As part of the activities we've got planned (watch this space...) we wanted to find out a) if anyone still has one of the original Railcards (looking unlikely!) but more importantly, b) what has changed in terms of rail travel over this period and what difference having a Disabled Persons Railcard makes.

We know that over 130,000 people currently hold a Disabled Persons Railcard, making a whopping 3.5 million train journeys last year and all having a saved 1/3 off of the fare. But we wanted to hear from you on a more individual basis and find out something a bit more personal.

You may remember a little earlier this year we asked you to write in and tell us 'Why you love your Railcard'? Well, we were so impressed by the great response from so many Railcard holders that we thought what better way of using these unique stories than to tie them in to the 30th anniversary celebrations as well as the new Railcard posters and leaflets in stations nationwide.

Over the next few months we'll be bringing you new features to the Disabled Persons Railcard website including testimonials, stories, an exciting competition, 'Top 30' lists as well as further news on how we're marking the 30th anniversary. Plus, for a short time only we've printed a batch of limited edition 30th anniversary Railcards for all new applications and renewals - more details to follow.

So for now, we'll leave you with an extract from what Phillipa had to say about her Railcard, whilst she enjoys her newfound stardom as one of the faces on the current station adverts:

I have had my Railcard for six years now and mainly use it for leisure travel. I have mobility problems, including balance and co-ordination, so can be very wibbly-wobbly at times. As rail travel is much smoother than other modes of transport, it eases my mobility problems at the end of my journey – these can be worse when travelling by car or bus.

When I think back to my times as an able-bodied commuter in the 80s with the old slam-door trains, I am amazed at how much train travel has changed! For one, there’s no way I could have completed my daily Canterbury to London Bridge journey as a disabled person.

Trains are now far more accessible, with designated wheelchair space, disabled seating and disabled toilets – fantastic progress!

Living on disability benefits is not easy but I save so much on train travel, I have the funds to go to the theatre, galleries, exhibitions, a little more often. I would also like to explore more of beautiful Britain.

Since moving to Hove I use my railcard even more to catch up with old friends, colleagues and neighbours in London, my Railcard offers me the freedom to explore, the freedom to keep in touch with loved ones and the freedom to make life as exciting as it can be.

It really is the best thing since Intercity trains!

Phillipa is just one of many Railcard holders who wrote in to tell us why she loves her Railcard. If you want to tell us why you love yours, we'd love to hear from you, simply fill out this form.

There are also more testimonials to read through if you have time: