New 16-17 Saver railcard to launch next week

The railcard costs £30 and will be available at www.16-17saver.co.uk from 9am on Tuesday 20 August. It will give holders a 50% discount on most rail travel, including peak and season tickets.

You'll be able to use the card to buy discounted tickets for travel from Monday 2 September onwards.

It's valid across England, Wales and services into Scotland, but not on ScotRail or Caledonian Sleeper services.

Currently under-fives are generally allowed to travel for free with a paying adult, those aged five to 15 get a 50% discount on most fares, while those who are 16 and above may be eligible for the 16-25 Railcard, which gives a third off most fares.

See our Cheap Trains guide for more info on other railcards.

How does the railcard work?

• It offers a bigger discount than most railcards. It gives holders 50% off tickets, rather than the third off that railcards such the 16-25 Railcard and 26-30 Railcard offer.

• It works on more fares than other railcards. Unlike some other railcards, the 16-17 Saver gives you the discount on peak fares and season tickets, as well as off-peak and advance tickets. It won't work on first class tickets though, or on ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services.

• It can be bought either as a physical or digital card.

• It will last until your 18th birthday or up to a year. The card will be valid for a year or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. However, season tickets bought with the 16-17 Saver will remain valid for up to four months after the cardholder's 18th birthday.

Remember, with Transport for London (TfL) you can also get 50% off adult fares on bus, tube, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail and most London-based National Rail services with a free Zip Oyster photocard. If you live in London, you get free travel on buses and trams.

What do the rail firms say?

Robert Nisbet of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train firms, said: "The launch of the 16-17 Saver, in partnership with the Department for Transport, demonstrates the rail industry's commitment to providing the best value fares for all customers.

"There are 1.2 million people aged 16 or 17 in Great Britain – working together, we want to ensure they can access affordable rail travel with the new 16-17 Saver."