A rule change means millions of young people in the UK can now travel by train at half price for longer. The Department for Transport has extended the 16-17 Saver railcard scheme, allowing 17-year-olds to buy the card until the day before their 18th birthday, with it remaining valid until the day before they turn 19.
Extension to the 16-17 Saver railcard
Before the change, the 16-17 Saver railcard expired when the holder turned 18. Now it expires when the holder turns 19. From Monday, August 17, someone aged 17 can buy the railcard up until the day before their 18th birthday, and it will stay valid until the day before they turn 19.
The 16-17 Saver railcard costs £35 per year and entitles the holder to half price train fares on most services. 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.
Savings compared to other railcards
Purchasing this railcard could also save more money per journey compared to buying the 16-25 Railcard, which only entitles the holder to a third off the cost of travel.
Rail minister Peter Hendy earlier this month described the extension as a "common sense change". 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."
