Railcard for veterans to be launched on Armistice Day

A new railcard for military veterans will be launched in November, the Department for Transport has announced.

The railcard will extend cheaper train travel to more than 830,000 veterans who do not qualify for existing discounts.

Holders will be able to save a third off most train tickets, although certain restrictions will apply.

The card will be available to buy from November 11 – Armistice Day – and will cost £21 for an introductory period, before the price is increased to £30.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Every part of society should honour the debt we owe those who’ve served our country.

“I’m proud that the Department for Transport, together with other Government colleagues and the rail industry, is doing its bit.

“This railcard will help open up opportunities to veterans, whether through employment and retraining, or by strengthening links with friends and family.

“I believe that enabling former service personnel to travel more easily is the least we can do.”

The new railcard is part of the Government’s veterans strategy, which aims to provide support in areas such as relationships, employment, health, finance and housing for people who have served in the military.

Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden, who represents the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in Cabinet, said: “Our new action plan will help to make the UK the best place in the world for veterans.

“The Office for Veterans’ Affairs will drive the plan from the heart of Government, working to help veterans on jobs, housing and health through better data and a more joined up approach.”