The Department for Transport has announced that from next week the 16-17 Saver will be available to purchase, with savings available from the 2nd September.
1.2 million young people aged 16 and 17 will be able to make savings on rail tickets, guaranteeing half-price travel in England and Wales.
It is expected that young people will save on average £186 every year, and can be used to save on journeys to sixth-form, college, travel to work or an apprenticeship.
The 16-17 saver can be purchased online from 9 am on Tuesday 20th August and will be valid for most rail journeys, including peak and season tickets.
For more information, visit the 16-17 Saver website here
What did the officials say?
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.
We want to create a railway system that's fit for the 21st century and provides a reliable, punctual journey. It's tempting to say fares should never rise, but the truth is that if we stop investing in our railways then we'll never see it improved.
Through the Saver, the 26-30 Railcard, and a record £48 billion investment in the railways, we are focused on providing passengers with the frequent, reliable and affordable journeys they deserve.
Robert Nisbet, Director, Nations and Regions at RDG 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.
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges said:
This rail discount for 16 and 17-year olds is a huge step in the right direction and will help to alleviate the financial pressures facing young people and their families across the country.
Many from disadvantaged backgrounds find themselves making difficult choices about their future based on how much their journey to college will cost, increasing the pressures of staying in education.
Travel costs should never be a barrier to education, today's announcement will give a much needed helping hand to thousands who rely on rail travel to access education and training.
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Why not introduce a Special Needs Railcard for those who have Tourette’s, Aspergers/Autism and Downs Syndrome that can get 1/3 off train travel without having to buy a disabled Railcard. Which I think it would be ideal.
As I have Autism and I have a Network Southeast Railcard but I can’t use it outside the Southeast such as heading up to Norwich. I’m not sure it disabled Railcard is ideal except if I was disabled.