Half price rail travel extended to 18-year-olds

A $60B Vote of Confidence

The UK government's decision to extend the 16-17 Saver Railcard to 18-year-olds is a significant move that will benefit thousands of students and young people. The change aims to lower the cost of travel for teenagers pursuing further education or getting their footing in the jobs market. According to the Department for Transport, 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 hadn't yet had their 18th birthday. The 16-17 Saver Railcard costs £35 per year and entitles the holder to 50% off most train fares. From 17 August, the railcard will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase, making it a more attractive option for 18-year-olds. This change is a vote of confidence in the rail industry and demonstrates the government's commitment to offering better value fares and delivering a more joined-up railway. 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. The move is expected to benefit thousands of students and young people who rely on trains to get to college, work, or training. The rail minister, Lord Hendy, claimed this 'common sense change' is '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'. Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said the change demonstrates 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, described the railcard as 'essential for young people reliant on trains to get to college, work or training'. The extension of the 16-17 Saver Railcard to 18-year-olds is a significant move that will benefit thousands of students and young people. It demonstrates the government's commitment to offering better value fares and delivering a more joined-up railway. The change is expected to lower the cost of travel for teenagers pursuing further education or getting their footing in the jobs market. The rail industry is expected to benefit from this change, which will make it more attractive for 18-year-olds to use the railcard. The move is a vote of confidence in the rail industry and demonstrates the government's commitment to offering better value fares and delivering a more joined-up railway.