Railcard Holder # 23 - Paul Toovey

As part of the ongoing celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Disabled Persons Railcard we're delighted to present testimonial number 23, from Paul Toovey:

I have had my Railcard for about four or five years now and it is really encouraging me to get out more and visit different places. I really like travelling long distances and the discount I get off rail travel really helps with that, as I am on benefits and not exactly the richest of people!

I use my Railcard mainly for leisure trips and to support the football team I support, which is outside of London and also I make trips up north for leisure reasons and to visit friends and it really encourages me to get out more.

To be honest I don’t think I would be as happy as I am if I didn’t have my Railcard because it makes a huge difference to the price compared to a standard adult fare, and yes of course my Railcard really makes me want to do things and visit places I have never been to before.

Travel on the train has always been my favourite mode of transport and I really enjoy it, it is relaxing, you have an option to be seated in the “Quiet zone” if you fancy a sleep and it really gives you comfort especially when travelling long distances. I believe the Railcard offers me peace of mind and comfort as if we really want to go somewhere but can’t because of not enough money then we can be assured that with the Railcard we can book the same journey for a cheaper price and also we can book assistance at the train station if it is required.

My disability affects my balance and also I am deaf, while most stations have a visual signal I quite find it hard with announcements through the station PA system but I always ask for help in that circumstance. I have been travelling on rail for years and I really enjoy it, trains can be relaxing and for long distance journeys you have a buffet service on some trains.

I travel to Derby sometimes and will give an example: it would cost £21 standard adult but with the Disabled Persons Railcard the fare turns out to be just £13.85 and that really helps me.

More on the 30th anniversary of the Disabled Persons Railcard.