Stephen Morgan MP has welcomed the announcement that students aged 16 to 18 across Portsmouth are set to benefit from half-price rail fares from this September, helping them on their commutes to school, college or training.
From 17 August 2026, 16-17 Saver railcards will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase, rather than expiring when the holder turns 18. Previous rules meant over 70,000 students annually were left on average £175 worse off than their peers as they lost out on the maximum discount available.
Transport costs can be a barrier for young people entering the workplace and so expanding access to discounted rail fares, alongside the £2 bus fare cap recently announced by the Prime Minister for England from next year, will help more young people access opportunities.
The 16-17 Saver’s expiry rules will now align with other railcards, making life’s essentials more affordable and supporting teenagers through the crucial years when they’re accessing education, training or work.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“By lowering the cost of travel for young people, this Government is not only providing Portsmouth’s families with the breathing room that they need but also ensuring that local teenagers will still be able to access crucial opportunity.
“As travel prices have risen across recent years, young people in our city have unfortunately been prevented from accessing crucial education, training and employment opportunities. As a result, the barrier presented by the cost train fares has been an urgent issue.
“That is why I will continue to support Labour’s vision for Great British Railways, with a focus on making travel more affordable and fairer for everyone.”
The Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:
“This kind of common-sense change is exactly what passengers should expect from the railway. I’m proud that this change will support young people and their families to lower the cost of travel at a critical time for teenagers, whether they’re pursuing further education, vocational pathways or getting their footing in the jobs market.
“Making travel fairer and more affordable is central to the vision for Great British Railways. By delivering simpler fares and putting passengers first, we’re creating a railway that’s easier to use, better value for money and focused on meeting the everyday needs of the people who rely on it.”
These changes come alongside a raft of fare and ticketing reforms ahead of the introduction of Great British Railways (GBR). Contactless options like pay-as-you-go and trials of innovative digital ticketing are being expanded outside of London to Manchester, Yorkshire and the East and West Midlands, while plans are underway to develop a GBR website and app that will act as a one-stop shop for passengers to buy tickets, check train times and claim Delay Repay.
The revised rules bring the 16-17 Saver into line with other youth railcards. Under the 26-30 railcard, passengers can already buy the day before a holder’s 31st birthday and it remains valid for a full year.
