Millions of young Brits are on track to save on train tickets as a new rule is introduced. The Department for Transport has said this move will allow certain customers to save more money when they catch the train.
The rule will mean 18-year-olds will be able to buy tickets at discounted rates due to an extension to a student saver scheme. Before the rule change, a 16-17 Saver railcard would expire when the person turned 18. It will now expire when a holder turns 19.
Extended validity from August 17
From Monday, August 17, someone aged 17 will be able to buy the railcard up until the day before their 18th birthday. The card will remain valid until the day before they turn 19.
The Department for Transport says around 70,000 students spend an average of £175 more on rail transport annually in the academic year than those with the Saver card.
Cost and savings
Purchasing this railcard could also save more money per journey compared to buying the 16-25 Railcard, which only entitles them to a third off the cost of travel. The 16-17 Saver Railcard costs £35 per year and entitles the holder to half price train fares for most services.
Rail minister Peter Hendy earlier this month described the extension as a "common sense change". He said this 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."
