New 16-17 railcard offering half price train tickets goes on sale today
A NEW 16-17 railcard that gives young people half price of train travel is available to buy today.
The new discount can be purchased online or over the phone now and is predicted to save around 1.2 million people £186 a year on commuting, according to Department of Transport figures.
As the 16-17 Saver is designed to help students, the discount only applies on journeys taken from September 2 onwards – the day when most schools and colleges start again after the summer break.
The railcard costs £30 and lasts for one year or until the holder turns 18.
Unlike most railcards, it doesn’t extend beyond the age range.
Train users can currently buy a 16-25 railcard up until the day before their 26th birthday.
But with the 16-17 railcard, you’ll stop receiving any discounts the day you turn 18.
Here's all the information you need to know about the new discount:
Where can I buy the 16-17 railcard?
The 16-17 railcard can be purchased online or over the phone.
You won't be able to buy the railcard in any train station.
Use to get yours on the official 16-17 Saver website - but remember you'll need to have ID and a passport-style photo of yourself.
You can also purchase the railcard over the phone by calling: 0345 301 1656.
Phone lines are open 7am to 10pm every day except Christmas Day.
What other railcards are available?
FREQUENT train users can buy a range of railcards to help lower the price of rail fares.
Apart from the new 16-17 railcard, the others include:
- - Discounts for people aged 16-25 but discounts can last while someone is aged 26, depending on when they purchased the card. Price - £30 for one year. Discount - 1/3 off rail fares.
- - Discounts for people aged 26-30 but discounts can last while someone is aged 31, depending on when they purchased the card. Price - £30 for one year. Discount - 1/3 off rail fares.
- - Discounts for people aged 60 or over. Price - £30 for one year. Discount - 1/3 off rail fares.
- - Discounts for two named people travelling together over the age of 16. Price - £30 for one year. Discount - 1/3 off rail fares.
- - Discounts for people with a disability that makes travelling by train difficult. Price - £20 for one year. Discount - 1/3 off rail fares.
- - Discounts for children aged 5-15 while travelling with an adult. Price - £30 for one year. Discount - 60 per cent off child tickets.
- - Discounts for people travelling in the South East. Price - £20 for one year. Discount - 1/3 off rail fares.
How much discount do I get and on what services?
The 16-17 Saver gives users 50 per cent off train fares up until the day they turn 18.
Any discount will stop once the holder has turned 18.
Railcard holders will be able to save money on all English and Welsh train operating companies, including cross-border journeys into Scotland.
Savings are NOT valid on the Oyster pay as you go daily price cap and pay as you go single fares for journeys on National Rail, London Underground and Docklands Light Railway.
Discounts can also not be applied to London Day Travelcards and Travelcard Season tickets within Zones 1-9 or tickets for travel on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway.
ScotRail or Caledonian Sleeper services are also excluded from savings.
How do I use the railcard?
The railcard can be used digitally on your phone or tablet, or sent out to you by post as a physical card.
If you choose a digital version, you'll be sent a code that you must use on the to download your purchase.
You'll need to present your card to a cashier when purchasing a discounted ticket, or select the "16-17 Saver" option under the "railcard" tab on a ticket machine.
Make sure you have your railcard on you at all times when you travel.
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The new railcard comes at a good time for users as rail fares are expected to go up by 2.8 per cent this January.
You might also be shocked to know the price of train tickets has gone up by 32 per cent in nine years but weekly earnings have only grown by 16 per cent.
In other rail news, First Trenitalia has promised more trains and seats as it takes over the West Coast Main Line from Virgin Trains.
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