Major win for young rail users after government confirms railcard boost for 18 year olds

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

TUESDAY 4^th AUGUST 2026

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, has welcomed a major government announcement that will allow thousands more young people to benefit from discounted rail travel, following representations he made to the Department for Transport calling for the change.

The Government has confirmed that from 17 August 2026, 16-17 Saver Railcards will remain valid for a full year from the date of purchase, rather than expiring when a young person turns 18.

The Department for Transport estimates that the previous rules meant more than 70,000 young people each year missed out on savings, leaving them on average £175 worse off than their peers.

Alistair Strathern has been raising this issue with the Department for Transport urging ministers to address the anomaly, which saw many students lose access to discounted rail fares part way through their academic year simply because they had turned 18.

The change means that young people travelling to school, college, apprenticeships and training will continue to benefit from the railcard's 50% discount throughout the year, helping to reduce the cost of education and employment opportunities. 

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, said:

"I'm delighted that the Government has acted to make this common-sense change, ensuring that young people are not penalised part way through their studies because they happen to turn 18.

"Too many students and families have faced unnecessary costs getting to school, college, apprenticeships and training. Extending the validity of the 16-17 Saver for a full year will make a real difference to household budgets and help ensure that opportunity is not limited by the cost of travel.

"I raised this issue with the Department for Transport because local young people deserve a transport system that works for them, and I'm pleased to see ministers respond positively. This is a significant win for young rail users in Hitchin and across the country."

Notes to editors

On 3 August 2026, the Department for Transport announced that 16-17 Saver Railcards will remain valid for a full year from the date of purchase and will no longer expire when the holder turns 18.