An amendment to the Railways Bill was laid on 9 November 2026 to ensure that rail fare discounts for veterans and service personnel are protected in law. Until this date, these discounts had no statutory protection.
Veterans and service personnel currently use railcards that provide a one-third discount on most rail fares. The government stated that this measure aims to recognise the service and sacrifice of those who have served the country.
This amendment provides reassurance to the armed forces community and their families that these discounts will continue. It also aligns with the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR), which aims to focus on passenger experience.
Statutory protections for discounts already exist for young, elderly, and disabled people. This new amendment ensures that those serving and those who have served are also prioritised for this protection, ensuring future generations can access these benefits with confidence.