The Department for Transport, together with the rail industry, has recently unveiled the brand new 16-17 Saver, which guarantees half-price rail travel for young people in England and Wales. 

Whether used for starting or returning to sixth form or college, beginning an apprenticeship or entering the world of work, these tickets can be used by 16-17-year olds from Monday 2 September. From this date, up to 1.2 million young people are eligible for the 50% discount it offers on most rail travel, including peak and season tickets.

The 16-17 Saver is set to forecast to save young people and their families an average of £186 a year, and their launch comes as the Rail Delivery Group confirmed that 327,000 people are now saving a third off their journeys after purchasing the 26-30 Railcard that launched in January. 

The Government is committed to achieving a rail system where passengers of all ages get a fair deal and have frozen regulated fares in line with inflation for the seventh year running. The ongoing independently-led Government review of the railway looking at fare reforms and value for money for passengers will report in Autumn with further reforms expected to begin in 2020. 

Castle Point’s Member of Parliament, Rebecca Harris, said: 

“I welcome the new 16-17 Saver which will boost education opportunities, communities, and businesses with young people able to travel more affordably, and I know this reform will benefit many Castle Point residents who are about to start university, college, or their careers in the coming months”

Local youth activist, Owen Cartey, said: 

“It’s fantastic to see the Government giving young people a break. I know how off-putting high fares can be when planning days out or travelling to school. This generation will have some of the best access to museums, art galleries and theatre houses which is amazing news for our culture”

Available for purchase for £30 online at www.16-17saver.co.uk or by calling 0345 301 1656, the Saver will be on sale at 9am on Tuesday 20 August.