Thousands extra college students to get half value practice tickets below Railcard extension
In a boost to youngsters, ministers said the 16-17 Saver Railcards will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase, rather than expiring when the holder turns 18
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander’s department is trying to ease rail prices for youngsters(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Thousands more students will be able to get half price train tickets under an extension of railcards eligibility.
In a boost to youngsters, ministers have announced that the 16-17 Saver Railcards will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase, rather than expiring when the holder turns 18.
Under the changes, which will come into force on August 17, young people will be able to access the railcard up until the day before their 19th Birthday. It means they can apply for a new annual railcard up to the day before their 18th Birthday and it will still be able to be used for the full 12 months.
The 16-17 Saver Railcards, which can be accessed by those in education or training, cost £35 a year and provide 50% off rail tickets to support youngsters with their commute to school, college or work. A separate 16-25 Railcard offers a third off rail prices.
Previous rules meant over 70,000 students annually were left on average £175 worse off than their peers as they lost out on the maximum discount available, the Department for Transport said.
Transport costs are among barriers young people face when entering the workplace. It is hoped that expanding access to discounted rail fares, alongside the £2 bus fare cap recently announced by Andy Burnham from next year, will help more young people access opportunities.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “This kind of common-sense change is exactly what passengers should expect from the railway. I’m proud that this change will support young people and their families to 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.
“Making travel fairer and more affordable is central to the vision for Great British Railways. By delivering simpler fares and putting passengers first, we’re creating a railway that’s easier to use, better value for money and focused on meeting the everyday needs of the people who rely on it.”
These changes come alongside a raft of fare and ticketing reforms ahead of the introduction of Great British Railways. Contactless options like Pay-As-You-Go and trials of innovative Digital ticketing are being expanded outside of London to Manchester, Yorkshire and the East and West Midlands.
And plans are underway to develop a GBR website and app which will act as a one-stop-shop for passengers to buy tickets, check train times and claim Delay Repay.
The revised rules bring the 16-17 Saver into line with other youth Railcards. Passengers are already able to buy the 26-30 Railcard the day before their 31st birthday and it remains valid for a full year.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair & Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “By enabling customers who turn 18 during their academic year to receive a full year of savings from the date of purchase, we’re ensuring that young people can continue to benefit from 50% off rail travel throughout this important stage of their education. Whether it’s getting to school or college, seeing friends, or exploring new places, this change provides greater flexibility and more opportunities to make the most of their journeys.”
Kaynat Ahmad, National Union of Students’ Vice President Further Education, said: “The 16-17 Saver is essential for young people reliant on trains to get to college, work or training. Allowing young people to access the savings past their 18th birthday will ease the financial pressures that commuting brings – whether that is money back into the pockets of young people and their families or preventing someone from being forced to drop out.
“Opportunity should never be defined by what is affordable but, too often, transport costs have been a barrier to education, employment and training for young people. With the extension of the 16-17 Saver, alongside the £2 capped Bus Fares, we welcome this Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges that young people are facing right now.”
