[1] All franchised train operating companies in Great Britain must accept the Railcard and offer discounts under terms set out in the Railways Act 1993.
Its purpose is to encourage people to use the train and to reduce the cost for those who need to be accompanied by a carer.
Sir Peter Parker was Chairman of BR at the time and the British Railways Board included Tom Libby and wheelchair user Bill Buchanan, who was "Special Adviser on the Disabled".
[3] Tom Libby and Bill Buchanan together with Sir Bert Massie (RADAR) were tasked to design and develop the Disabled Persons Railcard.
Passenger doors were too narrow and the fixed seating layout did not give wheelchair users space to manoeuvre.
In 2008, issuing arrangements moved to Scottish contact centre operator, Journeycall, based in Brechin and Laurencekirk.