More young people will be able to benefit from half-price rail fares under changes to the 16-17 Saver railcard coming into force this month.
From 17 August, the railcard will be valid for a full year from the date it is bought, rather than expiring when the holder turns 18.
The Department for Transport said the previous rules meant more than 70,000 young people missed out on discounted fares each year after turning 18 while still in education or training. It estimated those affected were, on average, £175 worse off.
The changes are intended to help students and young people travelling to school, college, apprenticeships and work, particularly as transport costs can be a barrier to accessing education and employment.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said the changes were a "common-sense" measure that would help young people and their families reduce travel costs.
He said the government wanted to make rail travel "fairer and more affordable" as it prepares to establish Great British Railways (GBR).
The 16-17 Saver currently provides 50% off most rail fares for people aged 16 and 17. Under the new rules, the card will remain valid for 12 months regardless of whether the holder turns 18 during that period.
The change brings the railcard into line with other youth railcards. For example, holders of the 26-30 Railcard can buy a card shortly before their 31st birthday and retain the discount for a full year.
The government said the move was part of wider reforms aimed at simplifying fares and ticketing ahead of the creation of GBR.
Contactless pay-as-you-go travel and digital ticketing trials are being expanded beyond London, including in Manchester, Yorkshire and parts of the Midlands.
Plans are also being developed for a new GBR website and app where passengers will be able to buy tickets, check train times and make Delay Repay claims.
The government has also announced plans to introduce a £2 cap on bus fares in England from next year, which ministers say will further reduce travel costs for young people.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO, Rail Delivery Group, said:
“The extension of the 16-17 Saver’s validity demonstrates the rail industry’s commitment to offering better value fares and delivering a more joined-up railway for customers.
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”.
Photo by Alex Nevin-Tylee, Wikimedia commons.
