More than a million young people will save hundreds of pounds thanks to a new rail Card – news which has been welcomed by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.
The Government announced this week that is was launching the 16-17 Saver card – which offers young people half-price travel.
The card is expected to save young people and their families around £186 every year – as well as boosting educational opportunities, communities and business by making it more affordable for young people to travel around.
Available for purchase for £30 online, the 16-17 Saver will be on sale at 9.00am on Tuesday 20 August. From this date, up to 1.2 million young people are eligible for the 50% discount it offers on most rail travel, including peak and season tickets.
Earlier this year the Government announced a new 26-30 railcard, which allows cardholders to save 1/3 on rail fares. The Rail Delivery Group announced that 327,000 people had purchased the new railcard and were saving an average of £19 a month.
A root and branch review of the rail industry has been announced by the Government, which is to led by Keith Williams. It will look at fares reform and affordability for passengers. Recommendations will be published in due course, with the anticipation that reforms will begin during 2020.
Justin Tomlinson said: “Many young people rely on public transport to get to college, or to a part-time job – this can be very expensive. I am delighted that the Government is making it more affordable for young people to access these educational and employment opportunities. With this new railcard, and the 26-30 railcard earlier this year, the Government is clearly demonstrating its commitment to make public transport more cost effective for young people.”
