Veterans' third off rail fares to be protected in law for the first time

The railcard discount that gives veterans and serving members of the armed forces a third off most rail fares is to be protected in law for the first time, the government announced on 9 November, the day after Remembrance Sunday.

Ministers have laid an amendment to the Railways Bill, the legislation that will create Great British Railways, so that the discount for veterans and service personnel cannot simply be withdrawn in future. Until now, it has had no statutory protection.

What the change means

Veterans and service personnel can already buy railcards that cut one third off most rail fares. The amendment does not change what they pay today, but it puts the discount on the same legal footing as the existing protected discounts for young, older and disabled passengers.

In a written statement to Parliament, the Department for Transport said: "It is vital that those who give so much for our country have their service and sacrifice recognised and that is exactly what we are doing by safeguarding these discounts in legislation."

The department said the change reassures the armed forces community and their families that the discounts will continue, and that future generations of veterans and service personnel "can continue to access these benefits with confidence and certainty."

Part of the move to Great British Railways

The Railways Bill sets up Great British Railways, the new public body that will run and plan most of the network. The government says the new organisation will "place a relentless focus on the passenger experience by delivering the reliable, affordable and high-quality services that passengers want and deserve."

"No community will be left out of GBR's railway," the statement said, adding that the change ensures "both those serving and those who have served our country are also prioritised for this protection."

It follows a recent expansion of free rail travel for a bereaved military family member attending Remembrance events, so that the cost of a ticket is not a barrier to paying tribute to loved ones who died in service.

What it means in Birmingham

Birmingham and the surrounding area are home to a large armed forces community, from veterans of conflicts going back decades to serving personnel and reservists. For many of them, the railcard is a practical help with the cost of getting around, whether that is a commute from Sutton Coldfield or Solihull, a trip to see family, or a journey to a reunion or Remembrance service.

New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill are all on routes where the discount applies to most fares, and it can also be used on many local services across the city.

How to get the discount

Eligible veterans can apply for a Veterans Railcard online through the official railcard website, which explains who qualifies and what proof of service is needed. Serving personnel can get the HM Forces Railcard. Both give a third off most rail fares across Great Britain, and the discount can often be combined with advance tickets for further savings.

The amendment will now be debated as the Railways Bill continues its passage through Parliament.