Giles Watling, MP for Clacton, has written to schools across the constituency to encourage their students to take advantage of a new railcard for 16 and 17 year olds.
Many young people rely on trains to get to school, college, and work and the Government is determined to ensure that rail fares are affordable for young people and their parents across the country. This new railcard will guarantee 50 per cent off all rail travel until the cardholder reaches their 18th birthday and is expected to benefit up to 1.2 million young people.
The release of the railcard, in time for new school year, follows the hugely successful launch of the 26-30 railcard earlier this year, when 11,000 cards were sold on the first day alone. Now all young adults, from the ages of 16 to 30, will benefit from cut price fares, helping them with the cost of living.
Commenting, Giles said:
“I hope that all 16 and 17 year olds in the Clacton constituency take advantage of this fantastic new railcard, which will guarantee them half price fares. That’s why I have written to all the local schools and colleges, ensuring they make their students aware of this brilliant opportunity.
“Young people across the country, and our local area, rely on trains to get to school, college and work, and it is right to ensure that fares are affordable for them.”