Train couldn't take the strain

MY husband and I have just retired, so we thought we’d let the train take the strain for a visit to our family in England.

The SNCF website had good OAP fares, so we went to Cahors station to book a trip: no airport worries, no cancellations, no baggage costs, just sit and watch the lovely scenery.

However, the ticket office said we needed an OAP railcard for the cheap ticket: it cost €56, valid for a year.

That made it more than a normal fare, so we did not go by train.

The government wants us to take public transport, but how can we afford it with these hidden extras?

P.L. Ward, Cahors