Veterans’ railcard – cost, release date, benefits and eligibility
A RAILCARD that gives veterans discounted rail travel is to be launched on Armistice Day, November 11.
The card is being introduced to help former serving personnel to travel more easily.
Who is eligible for the Veterans' railcard?
The new rail card will give over 830,000 veterans a third off rail fares as part of a new government strategy to support former servicemen and women and their families.
It will cover the standard T's and C's that apply to all current rail cards, however the veterans' card also covers any spouse or family that are travelling with the card holder too.
Previously only serving members of the armed forces were eligible for discounted train fares.
The railcard was a Tory manifesto pledge at the General Election.
How much will the Veterans' railcard cost and when will it be introduced?
The Department of Transport has announced that the card will cost £21 while it is being introduced, then jump to £30 at a later date.
It is being launched on Armistice Day, November 11, 2020.
The latest discount follows two new railcards which were launched last year - one for those aged 26-30, and another for teenagers aged 16-17 that came with a half-price fare reduction.
A HM Forces Railcard can already be bought by serving personnel for £21 a year.
Other railcards exist that are aimed at the over 60s or people who have a disability.
The new Veteran Railcard in a nutshell
What is it and how will it help veteran purses?
The Veterans card gives British veterans and the family members they are travelling with 1/3 off rail travel.
How much?
To get the discount veterans will be made to pay £21 as the scheme pilots, and £30 thereafter.
Who can get it?
Any of the estimated 830,000 former service men and women of any age.
When will veterans be able to get it?
The card launches on Armistice Day (November 11) 2020.
Why is the Government introducing the new railcard?
The DfT is hoping that the discount will encourage veterans to see their families more and help them find employment after their service.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the discount card was "the least we can do" and that it would "help open up opportunities".
He added: "Every part of society should honour the debt we owe those who’ve served our country."
The announcement is part of the Government's pledge to do more for veterans following a report in February 2019 that found that veterans were being "completely failed" by mental health care.
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In response the Conservatives have created the new Office of Veterans' Affairs (OVA) "to provide lifelong support" for veterans in July, of which the discounted rail fare is a first step.
OVA Cabinet Office Minister, Oliver Dowden, 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.