The Government has announced plans to introduce a veteran railcard later this year based on manifesto promises.
The new veteran railcard will allow former personnel to travel at reduced prices and comes as a result of a manifesto promise made by the government. Available from Armistice Day this year, the railcard will extend discounted train travel to the more than 830,000 veterans not covered by existing discounts.
The announcement forms part of the government’s veterans strategy. The government is also releasing its response for the consultation into the veterans’ strategy, which includes an action plan on how the Office for Veterans’ Affairs will coordinate departments to help veterans over the next 2 years.
Johnny Mercer, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “Discounted train travel is a fantastic way to recognise those who have served this country, and the speed at which plans have been worked up shows how seriously we are taking our commitments to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran.”
“The railcard is only the start though, and I’m clear we need to do more to look after the people who so selflessly put their lives on the line to look after us.”
“Now the action plan has been published, I look forward to continuing to drive forward this issue across government and the services we offer.”
Public responses to the consultation underlined the need for a more coordinated approach to veterans support. Other key findings include a call to promote a positive perception of veterans and a need to increase awareness of the support already offered from across central and local government.
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