Half-price rail travel extended to 18-year-olds from 17 August
UKPulse Local Desk
The 16-17 Saver railcard, offering 50% off most train fares, will be extended to 18-year-olds from 17 August. This change allows 17-year-olds to purchase the railcard until the day before their 18th birthday, making it valid for a full year.
- From 17 August, 18-year-olds will be able to buy half-price train tickets for most services.
- The 16-17 Saver railcard, which costs £35 per year, will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase.
- This extension means 17-year-olds can buy the railcard up until the day before they turn 18, making it valid until the day before they turn 19.
Eighteen-year-olds will be able to purchase half-price train tickets for most services following a change to railcard rules later this month. The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced this extension to the 16-17 Saver railcard.
Currently, the 16-17 Saver railcard expires when the holder turns 18. From 17 August, the railcard will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase. This means a 17-year-old can buy the railcard up until the day before their 18th birthday, making it valid until the day before they turn 19.
The DfT stated that the existing rule meant over 70,000 students annually were, on average, £175 worse off than those in the same academic year who had not yet reached their 18th birthday. The 16-17 Saver Railcard costs £35 per year and provides 50% off most train fares.
Why this matters: The Department for Transport stated that the previous rule meant over 70,000 students each year were an average of £175 worse off.
What this means for you: If you are 17, you will be able to buy the 16-17 Saver railcard up until the day before you turn 18, making it valid until the day before you turn 19.