Rail minister Claire Perry visited Waterloo Station in London to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 16-25 Railcard.
The card helps young people save a third off rail fares, allowing them to travel for less to see family and friends. Since 1992, the number of railcard holders has doubled to more than 1.4 million, while the number of journeys taken has trebled.
Rail minister Claire Perry said:
Railways are a vital part of our long-term economic plan. That is why we are investing record amounts to provide more trains, more seats and more services across the country.
This is so that everyone can continue to get the most out of travelling by rail. So it’s fantastic to see that the 16-25 Railcard is continuing to play its part in this by helping thousands of young people with the cost of rail travel.
The railcard was first introduced in 1974 as the Student Railcard, before being renamed in 2008 as the 16-25 Railcard. The average railcard holder now saves around £178 a year off the cost of their train travel.
Discounting by train companies, such as railcards, has contributed to the number of train journeys doubling since the mid-1990s. In 2012 to 2013, 47% of passenger revenue came from discounted tickets, up from 36% a decade ago.
Michael Roberts, Director General of the Rail Delivery Group said:
Our railway has been transformed beyond recognition since the Railcard was first launched 4 decades ago. Originally aimed at just students, now hundreds of thousands of 16 to 25 year olds are saving on their travel allowing them to meet up with family and friends for less.
By aiming to run more and better services safely, make the railway simpler to use and get more for every pound invested, the industry will not rest in our goal to make Europe’s best railway even better.
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