Captain Sir Tom Moore was the first recipient of the new Veterans' Railcard, launched today.
Service personnel live and work all over the UK, moving regularly from posting to posting, so when they leave the armed forces, they may well find themselves hundreds of miles from family and friends.
The new Veterans' Railcard, which is for anyone who has served in the UK Armed Forces or Merchant Marines and seen duty in legally defined military operations, will save veterans 1/3 of most rail fares, to help them reconnect to loved ones, and connect them to new training and work opportunities.
This new Railcard will help an extra 830,000 people benefit from discounted rail travel. It is just one of a number of measures being implemented by the government as part of its commitment to make the UK the best place to be a veteran anywhere in the world.
The Railcard will be available for a special introductory price of just £21 for a 1-year Railcard or £61 for a 3-year Railcard, until 31st March 2021. It will offer the Railcard holder and their companion 1/3 off most rail fares and 60% off for up to four children aged 5-15 years.
Customers will be able to choose from a physical card that they can carry in their wallet or as a digital version they can keep on their phone.
The Veterans' Railcard will be available for use on journeys from 5 November. Anyone who travels by train will be able to do so with confidence due to the extra steps the rail industry has taken to make journeys safer. From cleaning trains and stations more frequently and running more services to help with social distancing to improving information with people and technology helping every step of the way.
Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, said:
Significant day as Captain Tom gets the first Veterans Railcard - delivering on another important step in making this country the best in the world to be an Armed Forces Veteran in. More details tomorrow.
For further information and to apply, visit: https://www.veterans-railcard.co.uk.
