- More students aged 16-18 to benefit from half price rail fares from this September, helping them on their commutes to school, college or training.
- The 16-17 Saver Railcard will now be valid a full year from purchase rather than expiring when card holders turn 18 which prevented over 70,000 young people accessing the 50% discount last year alone.
- Move is one of the ways the Government is putting passengers first ahead of the creation of Great British Railways and follows the freezing of rail fares and expansion of tap-in, tap-out technology.
- Thousands more young people are set to get half-price travel as the Government extends Railcard eligibility for those still in education or training, in time for the new academic year.
From 17 August, 16-17 Saver Railcards will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase, rather than expiring when the holder turns 18. Previous rules meant that over 70,000 students annually were, on average, left £175 worse off than their peers because they lost out on the maximum available discount.
Transport costs can be a barrier for young people entering the workplace and so expanding access to discounted rail fares, alongside the £2 bus fare cap recently announced by the Prime Minister for England from next year, will help more young people access opportunities.
The 16-17 Saver’s expiry rules will now align with other railcards, making life’s essentials more affordable and supporting teenagers through the crucial years when they’re accessing education, training or work.