Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies and North Wales veterans have welcomed the launch of a new rail card which will save veterans and their families 1/3 off most rail fares.
The Veterans Railcard went on sale last Wednesday (October 14th) and is for anyone who has served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces or Merchant Marines who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.
It has been designed to help them more easily see loved ones and connect them to new training and work opportunities, and is just one of a number of measures being implemented by the UK Government as part of its commitment to make the UK the best place to be a veteran anywhere in the world.
James said:
“This commitment to support veterans and their families was an important pledge in this Government’s manifesto and is being delivered just 10 months after the Election.
“HM Armed Forces are rightly valued throughout their service. They make sacrifices and put themselves in danger to serve and protect our country. It is only right that we continue to show how much we value their efforts – and the support given them by their families – once they leave the armed forces too.
“This railcard will offer an additional 830,000 veterans, who are not covered by existing discounts or railcards, up to one-third off most rail fares from 5 November and will also extend discounted travel to a named companion and up to four dependent children, if travelling with the cardholder.
“I believe it is important that our veterans have access to this railcard, supporting their access to vital work prospects and retraining opportunities, and making it easier for former members of the armed forces to stay in touch with friends and relatives.”
The Railcard has also been welcomed by Graham Jones, who is the CEO at Woody’s Lodge, a Welsh Veterans charity which has its North Wales base at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay.
He said: “I think the card is a brilliant idea and I will definitely be purchasing one.”
Veteran Kevin Hackett, who also works for a North Wales military charity, welcomed the £21 introductory price and said when the price increases to £30 next year, making it the same price as the Senior Rail Card, it will still be great value for those under the senior rail card age who travel a lot.
Richard Kendrick, Denbighshire Poppy Appeal coordinator, has also welcomed the initiative.
He said:
“It is great to see the UK Government helping and offering this discount to our veterans and their families. The family discount with up to 60% for 5 to 15-year olds is particularly good.”
The Veterans Railcard will be available for use on journeys from 5 November.
For more information visit www.veterans-railcard.co.uk
