There are a number of rail card schemes offering a range of discounts for different ages and groups of people. 

• 16 to 17 Year Olds - 50 % off

• 16 to 25 Year Olds - 1/3 % off

• 26 to 30 Year Olds - 1/3 off

• Friends and Family  - minimum 1/3 off

• Senior Railcard (60+) - 1/3 off

• Two Together Rail Card - 1/3 off

• Network Rail Card - (SE + London) 1/3 off

• Disabled Persons Rail Card - 1/3 off

This scheme is run by local Travel Concession Authorities (TCA's) and can include additional concessions on top of the statutory scheme. It covers older persons at state pension age and disabled persons. 

Most TCA's offer additional concessions to the statutory schemes, you will need to check in your local area. 

You can apply here.

Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card

This is provided to unemployed persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit for 3-9 months (18-24 year olds) or 3-12 months (over 25s). Other benefit claimants may receive a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card from 3 months of their claim and if they are actively engaged with a Jobcentre Plus adviser. Cardholders are entitled to a 50% discount on selected rail tickets.

Flexible support fund

This is available at the discretion of Jobcentre Plus staff to help with the cost of travelling to an interview, training or for the first months of travelling to work.

Find your local Jobcentre

Local authorities offer a range of travel support for young people, including:

Home to School Transport

Local authorities provide home to school free transport to and from school. At a minimum this covers pupils travelling more than 2 miles (for those under 8 years of age), pupils travelling more than 3 miles (for those aged 8 or over) and those unable to walk to school due to their Special Educational Needs.

Extended Rights to Free Home to School Transport

There is an additional entitlement to free travel for children from low income families (those entitled to free school meals or whose parents receive the maximum working tax credit).

Care to Learn

Care to Learn provides support with the cost of childcare and associated travel costs to ensure these do not prevent young parents (under the age of 20) from participating in education.

16-19 bursary

The 16-19 bursary provides support for those aged 16-19 participating in education or training who face additional barriers to staying in education. The most vulnerable young people may be entitled to a bursary of at least £1,200 per year while discretionary bursaries are provided at the discretion of education providers.

Discretionary learner support

Those aged 19 or over and facing financial hardship could be eligible for discretionary learner support through the discretionary learner fund. This includes support for the cost of travel (e.g. through the provision of travel passes or reimbursing the cost of fuel).