The 16-17 Saver Railcard, Purchased by 16- and 17-Year-olds, Will Remain Valid for a Full Year From Its Purchase Date Even If

From 17 August, the 16-17 Saver Railcard, purchased by 16- and 17-year-olds, will remain valid for a full year from its purchase date even if the holder turns 18. Previously, the Railcards expired on the holder's 18th birthday. The DfT said the old rule left more than 70,000 students annually an average of £175 worse off than peers in the same academic year who had not yet reached adulthood. The new policy aligns the 16-17 Saver with other Railcards.

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said extending the Railcard's validity shows the sector's commitment to "offering better value fares and delivering a more joined-up railway. Kaynat Ahmad, vice president for further education at the National Union of Students, described the Railcard as "essential for young people reliant on trains to get to college, work or training. Other Railcards include those for under-30s, seniors, couples, families, and veterans. The announcement follows the government's plan to cut the cap on most single bus fares in England from £3 to £2 in 2027.