Major railcard rule change means 10,000s of people will get cheaper train tickets

NewsUK NewsTrainsIt has been hailed as a 'common sense change'22:30, 03 Aug 2026The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that 18-year-olds in the UK will be able to travel for half price on most train services when railcard rules are relaxed later this month.‌The change relates to the 16-17 Saver railcard, which can be bought by people aged 16 or 17. These railcards currently expire when the holder turns 18.‌From August 17, however, they will remain valid for a full year from the date of purchase.‌Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily NewsletterThe existing rule means that more than 70,000 students are an average of £175 worse off than their peers who are in the same academic year but have not yet become adults, the DfT said. The new policy bring