The very successful Club 55 has been launched very quickly in the new year by Arriva Trains Wales. As yet there is no sign that the other main company involved in the promotion, First Group, is launching its discounted over 55 years old fares yet.
So what’s the deal this year?
For a start the promotion began yesterday and runs through to March 28th. As usual you can walk up and buy the ticket on the day or you can book in advance. You do need to be able to show proof of age if asked. (Obviously I look old because I have never been asked!) If you book online, there are no booking fees, no credit card or debit card fees and no delivery fees (except if you leave it late and opt for next day delivery). Do see their terms and conditions becase you cannot arrive or depart on some trains in the rush hour.
The fare this year is £19 return. As last year there are add-ons with other train operators so those of us living outside Wales can get around and those in Wales can travel a little further. Use Chiltern in and out of London Marylebone for £40 return. You can use Cross Country to get to and from Birmingham via Cheltenham (£30 return) but remember that Arriva Trains run as far as Birmingham International anyway. An add-on with Northern Rail will cost you just £20.50 and that will get you further than Manchester Piccadilly to places like Wigan, Bolton, Oldham and Glossop. A Merseyrail add-on will get you to Southport and Ormskirk (or vice versa) for £20 and £24 will pay for the add-on with London Midland which will get you to Worcester, Liverpool and Runcorn.
Remember to price the fare normally first just in case it is cheaper to do the journey under the existing fares.
As a bonus they are offering a prize draw with a return ticket for 2 from anywhere in Great Britain to Cardiff, accommodation for a night and a £100 spending voucher