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Archive
2014-10-30 RDG-001
Rail Delivery Group
Rail Minister helps apprentices celebrate 40 years of 16-25 Railcard
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Press release
Rail Delivery Group
Rail Minister helps apprentices celebrate 40 years of 16-25 Railcard
Rail Minister Claire Perry joined the rail industry and young apprentices at Waterloo Station today to help celebrate 40 years of the 16-25 Railcard.
[16-25 railcard celebration cake]
The Minister was joined by Michael Roberts, Director General of the Rail Delivery Group representing rail operators and Network Rail, along with five rail apprentices who cut a special 16-25 Railcard birthday cake.
Introduced in 1974 as the Student Railcard and renamed in 2008 as the 16-25 Railcard, it saves people a third off many rail fares allowing them to travel for less to see family and friends and also benefits those in apprenticeships.
Between 1991-2 and 2013-14, the number of ‘16-25 Railcards’ has doubled to over 1.4m, the number of journeys made using the card has almost tripled to 61.3m and the average 16-25 Railcard holder now saves around £179 a year off the cost of their train travel.
Discounting by train companies, such as Railcards, has contributed to the number of train journeys doubling since the mid-1990s. In 2012-13, 47% of passenger revenue came from discounted tickets, up from 36% in 2002-3 on what is now Europe’s fastest growing railway.
Michael Roberts, Director General of the Rail Delivery Group said: “Our railway has been transformed beyond recognition since the Railcard was first launched four decades ago. Originally aimed at just students, now hundreds of thousands of 16 to 25 year olds are saving on their travel allowing them to meet up with family and friends for less.
"By aiming to run more and better services safely, make the railway simpler to use and get more for every pound invested, the industry will not rest in our goal to make Europe's best railway even better."
Rail minister Claire Perry said: “Railways are a vital part of our long-term economic plan. That is why we are investing record amounts to provide more trains, more seats and more services across the country.
“This is so that everyone can continue to get the most out of travelling by rail. So it is fantastic to see that the 16-25 Railcard is continuing to play its part in this by helping thousands of young people with the cost of travel.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Pictured are Rail Minister Claire Perry, Director General of the Rail Delivery Group Michael Roberts and apprentices including Bradley Walker, Harry Bird, Brendan Lord, Connor Jenkins, Daniel Mullen and Samuel Bradfield.
Railnews Archive ::: 2014-10-30 RDG-001
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