Are you relatively young? Like not spending an absolute fortune on rail travel? Here are some glad tidings for you.
The 26-30 Railcard will be made available to everyone in that age group nationwide, it has been announced.
The railcard was first launched in a trial of 10,000 cards in East Anglia in December 2017. In March 2018, a further 10,000 were made available nationwide in a second trial, but the launch was marred with problems — the website crashed due to high demand (a demand the Railcard company didn't anticipate, apparently). Many were left disappointed that they weren't able to get a railcard.
Now though, all 26-3o year olds will be able to buy one before the end of the year (exact date TBC). Once released, the railcards will be available nationwide, permanently.
Jacqueline Starr, Managing Director of Rail Delivery Group said:
Britain's rail companies are excited to announce that the National Rail 26-30 Railcard will be available across the country before the end of the year. It means more young people can explore Britain for less using our trains and benefit from saving a third on rail travel, making it cheaper to get out and enjoy the seaside or visit family and friends.
As we say, an exact release date hasn't yet been announced, possibly in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the website crash. At least if the website does crash on you this time round, numbers aren't limited, and you'll get your railcard eventually. Keep an eye on the Railcard website and Twitter account for further announcements.
From the data so far, Railcard claims that users of the discount card have saved an average of £125 a year. By contrast, one member of Team Londonist who got hold of one of the cards during the much-coveted March launch estimates she's saved about £800-£1,000 over eight months. So it really depends on when — and how — you use it.
What is the 26-30 Railcard?
Calling it a railcard is a bit of a misnomer, as it's only available digitally. Once you've paid, you're sent a code. Download the Railcard app and enter your code to load your railcard to your phone. Pros: if you lose/break your phone, you can load the Railcard on another device and you're good to go. Cons: if your phone runs out of juice while you're on the move, you'll have to pay for a full price ticket.
Once you've acquired it, the Railcard can be used to save 30% on UK train tickets (with some restrictions — see below).
How much does a 26-30 railcard cost?
A 26-30 Railcard costs £30 for a year, and can be used as many times as you like within that year. Currently, three-year versions aren't available, although we suspect this may change now that they are being rolled out permanently.
Who can get a 26-3o Railcard?
Anyone aged 26-30 — you can buy one up until the day before your 31st birthday and use it until it expires.
How can I get a 26-30 Railcard?
When they become available, you'll be able to get one on the 26-30 Railcard website. They're only available online — you can't get one in station ticket offices.
What can the 26-30 Railcard be used for?
The Railcard gives a 30% discount on tickets for all UK train operators, with some restrictions. It can only be used before 10.30am on weekdays if the full price fare is £12 or more, and it can't be used to be a season ticket. See the Railcard validity page for more information.
Can you use a 26-30 Railcard on the tube?
Yes, you can. Once you've got your Railcard, take it along to any manned tube station to get a member of staff to add it to your Oyster card, and discounts will automatically be applied to pay-as-you-go tube fares from then on. It doesn't apply to season tickets and travelcards.
Find out more on the 26-30 website.
