Train passengers aged between 26 and 30 may soon be able to save money on train tickets with the launch of a new railcard in the UK. The 26-30 railcard is going to be trialled in areas served by Greater Anglia in December, with the scheme expected to become available nationwide in early 2018.
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While the news has yet to be officially announced, a leaked document from the Railway Delivery Group - which represents train companies in the UK - has been spotted on a UK rail forum by MoneySavingExpert, and appears to share details of the scheme. The document seems to be an internal briefing sent to staff in September, providing information on the new scheme and when it will launch.
© Photo: iStockThe new 26-30 railcard is expected to launch across the UK in 2018
Initially 10,000 rail cards will be offered as part of a trial, with a further 10,000 becoming available when the scheme launches across the UK in early 2018. And it appears to work in a similar way to the existing 16-25 railcard, which offers eligible cardholders a third off rail fares. However, rather than being a physical card, the 26-30 card will be available via the Railcard app on your phone.
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There is likely to be a £12 minimum fare for tickets - other than advance fares - between 4.30am and 10am Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Similar railcards cost around £30 a year, with many users saving the cost of the card within just one or two journeys.
© Photo: iStockThe new railcard is expected to offer a third off rail fares
Unsurprisingly news of the launch has proved popular with cash-strapped millennials, with many taking to social media to voice their approval. "Amazing news!" one tweeted, while another added that "this couldn't have come at a better time". However others have questioned why people over the age of 30 aren't entitled to discounts too. "As a 31 year old, I think this is a terrible idea," one person wrote. "It's really, really painful to realise you're too old for a 26-30 railcard," another added.
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