A new rail card designed to help make train travel more affordable for young people will be available from next week.
The Department for Transport, together with the rail industry, has confirmed the brand new 16-17 Saver will guarantee half-price travel for young people in England and Wales.
Teenagers who purchase the £30 cards will be able to use them to qualify for a 50 per cent discount on most fares, from September 2.
The new saver means that young people are now eligible for a child fare until their 18th birthday. It is valid across England, Wales and services into Scotland.
It is forecast to save young people and their families an average of £186 every year, according to the government.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “The brand-new saver means that a generation of rail passengers can now benefit from cheaper fares, keeping money in their pocket and helping them get to school, college and work."
Robert Nisbet, director, Nations & Regions at Rail Delivery Group, said: “The launch of the 16-17 Saver, in partnership with the Department for Transport, demonstrates the rail industry’s commitment to providing the best value fares for all customers.
“There are 1.2 million people aged 16 or 17 years in Great Britain – working together, we want to ensure they can access affordable rail travel with the new 16-17 Saver”.
Available for purchase for £30 online at www.16-17saver.co.uk, the 16-17 Saver will be on sale at 9am on Tuesday August 20.
It offers 50 per cent discounts on most rail travel, including peak and Season tickets.
