SIMON Fell, Conservative Spokesman for Barrow and Furness, has written to schools across Furness, asking teachers to encourage their students to take advantage of a new railcard for 16 and 17 year olds, that is soon to be launched by the Government.

Many young people rely on trains to get to school, college and work and Conservatives are determined to ensure that rail fares are affordable for young people and their parents across the country. The new railcard will guarantee 50 per cent off all rail travel until the cardholder reaches their 18th birthday. The new railcard is expected to benefit up to 1.2 million young people.

The release of the railcard, in time for new school year, follows the hugely successful launch of the 26-30 railcard earlier this year, when 11,000 cards were sold on the first day alone. Now all young adults, from the ages of 16 to 30, will benefit from cut price fares, helping them with the cost of living.

Commenting, Simon Fell said:

“I hope that all 16 and 17 year olds in Barrow and Furness take advantage of this fantastic new railcard, which will guarantee them half price fares.

“That’s why I have written to all of the local schools and colleges, encouraging they make their students aware of this brilliant opportunity.

“Young people across the country rely on trains to get to school, college and work, and it’s right that the government are determined to ensure that fares are affordable for them.”