Eighteen-year-olds will be able to buy half-price train tickets for most services when railcard rules are changed later this month, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced. It is an extension of the 16-17 Saver railcard which currently expires when the holder turns 18, and from 17 August it will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase.
The change means 17-year-olds will be able to buy the railcard up until the day before they turn 18, making it valid until the day before they turn 19. The DfT said the existing rule meant more than 70,000 students each year were an average of £175 worse off than those in the same academic year who had not yet had their 18th birthday.
The 16-17 Saver Railcard costs £35 per year and gives the holder 50% off most train fares. Eighteen-year-olds were already entitled to a 16-25 Railcard, but that only entitles them to a third off the cost of travel.
Rail minister Lord Hendy described the move as a “common sense change” and said it is “exactly what passengers should expect from the railway”.
“common sense change”
“exactly what passengers should expect from the railway”
He said the change would “lower the cost of travel at a critical time for teenagers, whether they're pursuing further education, vocational pathways or getting their footing in the jobs market”.
“lower the cost of travel at a critical time for teenagers, whether they're pursuing further education, vocational pathways or getting their footing in the jobs market”
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of industry body the Rail Delivery Group, said the change shows the sector's commitment to “offering better value fares and delivering a more joined-up railway”.
“offering better value fares and delivering a more joined-up railway”
Kaynat Ahmad, vice president for further education at the National Union of Students, said the railcard is “essential for young people reliant on trains to get to college, work or training”.
“essential for young people reliant on trains to get to college, work or training”
The government said the measure would be paid for through increased train ridership, with more passengers as a result of more people being able to access the discounted fares. The announcement comes after the government said the cap on most single bus fares in England will be cut from £3 to £2 next year.
How will the railcard change work?
From 17 August, the 16-17 Saver railcard will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase rather than expiring when the holder turns 18. That means 17-year-olds will be able to buy it up to the day before they turn 18 and keep it until the day before they turn 19.
The DfT said the change removes an anomaly in the current system, under which more than 70,000 students each year were an average of £175 worse off than others in the same academic year who had not yet reached their 18th birthday.
What savings will young passengers get?
The railcard costs £35 a year and gives 50% off most train fares. Eighteen-year-olds already have access to the 16-25 Railcard, but that only offers a third off the cost of travel, making the 16-17 Saver a larger discount for eligible young people.
The government said the policy would be funded through increased ridership, with more people expected to use rail services because discounted fares will be available to more passengers.
What have ministers and industry leaders said?
Rail minister Lord Hendy said the reform was a “common sense change” that is “exactly what passengers should expect from the railway”. He added that it would “lower the cost of travel at a critical time for teenagers, whether they're pursuing further education, vocational pathways or getting their footing in the jobs market”.
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said the decision shows the sector's commitment to “offering better value fares and delivering a more joined-up railway”. Kaynat Ahmad, vice president for further education at the National Union of Students, said the railcard is “essential for young people reliant on trains to get to college, work or training”.
What else has the government announced?
The announcement follows the government's decision to cut the cap on most single bus fares in England from £3 to £2 next year. Both measures are part of wider efforts to reduce travel costs for passengers.
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