Black Friday shoppers have been left fuming after Trainline ended its half price rail card deal weeks before it originally advertised.
The train booking app and website launched the Black Friday promotion on Tuesday 23 November promising the offer of 50 per cent off railcards would last until 17 December.
However, the company instead closed the deal at midnight Friday, due to ‘unprecedented demand’.
Train rage: Trainline said the half price railcards would be available until 17 December but ended early
In one of Black Friday’s most popular deals, passengers were last week sent an email containing the code ‘RAILCARD50’ which would give them half price on a range of railcards.
Railcards usually cost £30 for a year or £70 for three years with the card giving holders a third off train fares.
There are many different types including one for those aged 16 to 25, one for 26 to 30 year old, Two Together, which is for couples travelling together, and a Senior railcard for those aged 60 and over.
However, those looking to get their hands on cut price travel after Black Friday were left disappointed when the deal was unexpectedly pulled.
A Trainline spokesperson said: ‘Due to unprecedented demand, we’ve ended our Black Friday deal earlier than anticipated.
‘We’re sorry for anyone who has missed out this time around.
‘Customers should watch this space, as we’ll have other deals soon that they can make the most of.’
Many people took to social media to vent their frustration with the company after hoping to catch the deal.
This Twitter user said they were annoyed the discount finished two weeks early than expected
Someone else tried to buy the cut price railcard but got an error message when trying to
Another consumer said they were ‘absolutely disgusted’ the company withdrew the discount
In response to customers on Twitter, Trainline said that promotion was subject to availability, which was stated clearly in its terms and conditions.
It added it reached maximum availability earlier than expected, given the high popularity of the offer.
There is not much customers can do, aside from complain to Trainline, given its t&cs.
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