16-17 Saver Railcard extended for 18-year-olds from 17 August
UKPulse Local Desk
The 16-17 Saver Railcard will remain valid for a full year from its purchase date, even if the holder turns 18, benefiting 18-year-olds with half-price train travel on most services.
- From 17 August, the 16-17 Saver Railcard will be valid for a full year from purchase, even if the holder turns 18.
- Previously, the railcards expired on the holder's 18th birthday.
- The Department for Transport stated that the previous rule left over 70,000 students annually an average of £175 worse off.
Eighteen-year-olds will soon be able to benefit from half-price train travel on most services following an announcement from the Department for Transport (DfT).
From 17 August, the 16-17 Saver Railcard, which can be bought by 16- and 17-year-olds, will remain valid for a full year from its purchase date, even if the holder turns 18. Previously, these railcards expired when the holder reached their 18th birthday.
The DfT indicated that the existing rule meant more than 70,000 students annually were, on average, £175 worse off than peers in the same academic year who had not yet turned 18. This change aligns the 16-17 Saver with other railcards.
The 16-17 Saver Railcard costs £35 per year and provides 50 per cent off most train fares.
Why this matters: The change aims to support young people and their families by lowering travel costs, particularly for those pursuing further education, vocational pathways, or entering the jobs market.
What this means for you: If you are 18 and hold a 16-17 Saver Railcard, it will now remain valid for a full year from its purchase date, providing half-price train travel on most services.