Details of 26-30 Railcard trial confirmed ahead of Budget launch

As first revealed by MoneySavingExpert.com back in October, the new railcard - which will cost £30 and give a third off many fares - will be trialled in the area served by Greater Anglia from 6 December, ahead of an expected wider roll-out early next year.

As predicted, the new railcard will be very similar to the current 16-25 Railcard. Here's how the Rail Delivery Group - which represents train companies - has said the Greater Anglia trial will work:

• 10,000 cards will be available, to those who live locally. The trial's limited to those living in the Greater Anglia area - they'll be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

• You can use it with ALL train companies - even though it's a Greater Anglia trial, you'll be able to use it nationwide (not including Eurostar).

• It'll be digital-only. It will only be available in digital form, via the Railcard app – you won't be able to get a physical card.

• It's a one-year card. As it's a trial there won't be the option to buy a three-year version.

• You'll get a third off many fares. The discount will apply to standard anytime and off-peak fares, and advance fares. You also get a discount on London travel - a third off off-peak fares and off-peak daily caps on Oyster cards.

• There will be a £12 minimum fare at some times. This will apply between 4.30am and 10am Monday to Friday, for any anytime and off-peak single and return tickets.

For full tips and tricks on cutting the cost of train journeys, see our Cheap Train Tickets guide.

How do I get a 26-30 Railcard?

The railcard will launch on 6 December for those aged 26 to 30 (so you can buy it up until the day before you turn 31). If you want one you'll need to go quick to ensure you bag one of the 10,000 available.

You'll be able to apply for one at www.26-30railcard.co.uk. You'll need to live in the Greater Anglia area to sign up - here's a list of eligible postcodes.

Once you've succesfully applied for the card you'll be able to download it into the Android or Apple Railcard app (the apps are free to download).

When will the 26-30 Railcard be available nationwide?

It's been widely mooted that the Chancellor Philip Hammond will unveil plans for a nationwide version of the scheme in tomorrow's Budget.

As we first revealed back in October, the nationwide roll-out is expected in spring next year following the Greater Anglia trial.

Jacqueline Starr, managing director of customer experience at the Rail Delivery Group, said: "It’s good news that Government has chosen to build on the trial of a 26-30 Railcard by Greater Anglia on behalf of the wider industry.

"A key commitment in our long-term plan to change and improve is to boost communities by enabling more people to travel by train and that’s why we developed this proposal."

Andy Camp, Greater Anglia commercial director, said: "We're very happy to be taking part in this pilot. We already have a range of great value fares - and a 26-30 Railcard is another way for customers to enjoy rail travel for less."