A new railcard offering discounted train tickets for military veterans will be launched later this year, the government has announced.
More than 830,000 veterans will be eligible for a third off their train fares with the railcard – set to be released on Armistice Day in November.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says the new railcard, which forms part of the government’s veterans strategy, will open up opportunities for veterans in employment as well as strengthening links with friends and family.
Mr 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.
New opportunities for veterans
“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.”
“Our new action plan will help to make the UK the best place in the world for veterans.”
Oliver Dowden
Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden, who represents the Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) said: “The Office for Veterans’ Affairs was set up to get things done for our veterans.
“I am pleased to see that the OVA is already able to show it is achieving just this, working with the Department for Transport to deliver this railcard.
“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.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said: “Discounted train travel is a fantastic way to recognise those who have served this country, and the speed at which plans have been worked up shows how seriously we are taking our commitments to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran.
“The railcard is only the start though, and I’m clear we need to do more to look after the people who so selflessly put their lives on the line to look after us.”
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