Military veterans can now claim a special discount railcard - here’s how

A new railcard offering a 34 per cent discount on train tickets is being made available to veterans in the UK.

Who is eligible for the railcard?

The railcard - which will be the ninth national railcard in the UK - will be made available to "UK veterans who served at least one day in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.”

Captain Sir Tom Moore, who made headlines during lockdown after raising millions for the NHS during lockdown, was handed the first Veterans railcard, as a veteran of the Second World War.

The Rail Delivery Group, (RDG) who are administering the scheme, estimate that 830,000 people will be eligible for the railcard, which veterans can apply for from 5 November 2020.

How much will it cost?

The card will initially cost £21 for a year, or £61 for three years, but from the end March 2021, prices will rise to the usual £30 for a year or £70 for three.

Holders will be able to nominate a travel companion who can get the same discount when travelling with them. Up to four children travelling with the card holder can also get 60 per cent off.

As with other railcards, the card will be available in physical form or digitally, on a smartphone.

A £12 minimum fare will apply on rush hour journeys up to 10am Monday to Friday, though this restriction is lifted during July and August.

Two "open access" t