As friendly as I am, there are some times that I just don't want to talk: when I am on the bus, first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, I've not managed to develop a look that says "Don't you dare speak to me!" Not having the ability to conjure up this useful glare means I have every Tom, Dick and Harry talking to me on the bus. Now I love talking, but there are limits. I know all about what operations you will have to have when you are an old Lady and I've also found out a lot about stamp collecting: nope i'm still not interested. I also know, thanks to one over talkative gentleman, what other routes the bus driver does. Armed with this useful information, I've decided I've learnt all I can - or perhaps all I can stand to learn: I'm going to have to find another way to travel :-) I've been travelling from Llandudno to Bangor University, mon-fri, for the last two years. Apart from the odd occasion I've travelled by bus. My only other alternative to to travel by train. This review will consider the benefits of a Young Person's Rail Card (hereafter YPRC)

Like many - I hope it's not just me, I thought that the YPRC was only eligible for person's aged 18 - 25: It's not! The YPRC can be used by 18-25 year olds and also by mature students aged 26 and above as long as you have proof that you are a full-time student at a recognised educational establishment for over 15 hours, at least 20 weeks a year. If there is any doubt if your institution is a recognised Institution you may have to have a NUS (Student Union Card) as proof. You will need to take the application form to someone in your department, head of year or tutor for verification. You are also eligible if you are an international Student with an ISIC (International Student identity Card)

On the website www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk you are told that you can save up to 1/3 on train journeys. Further on in the website you are given a few examples of actual saving that you can make. I will not list them all but here are two as an example.

Birmingham to Manchester return
Saver Return £26.80
Student Rail card £17.70
You save £9.10

What's not good about it?
The problem that for all journeys before 10am a minimum fare applies ( You will have to ask your operator how much this will be. On my route it is £8.00). For me that is a major problem as some of my lecture start at 10am. You also have to remember to bring it with you at all times, which for someone like me that is difficult.

Firstly you will need to fill out an application form. You can either get one online www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk or you can get a form from your local train station.

You will also need a passport size photo - some large stations have their own booths - and £20. If you are mature student you will need to provide proof that you are in fulltime education. In order to do this you will need to fill in the /mature students only section of the application form completed and certified by your by your institution.

Relevant Train company numbers

Well is it worth it? I think it is without a doubt. Although I will be having lectures sometimes at 10 am - so this not able to use it - I still think it's worth it. For £20 per year I save 1/3, also, within a couple of weeks of me using it for two or three times a week, I will have got my money back. Although I worried about losing the card, I was told by the man in the ticket office that as long as I keep the original receipt when I purchase the card, I can have a replacement: I'm not aware of any charges that are made for this. The only problem is remembering to bring it, but I think that the money that you save will be a great motivator.