Andy Burnham has confirmed that £1 train tickets will be available for passengers born after 2010, as part of the Great British Summer Savings drive. The scheme, initially announced by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves and continued under her successor John Healey, offers children free bus travel and family deals at restaurants nationwide.
Eligibility and Pricing
The £1 tickets are for children under 16, meaning those born after 2010. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated: "We know that the cost of living and weighing up whether you can have a day out is a real worry for families across the country, especially over summer. That’s why we’re cutting the cost of making memories with deals on train journeys across all services in public ownership, helping more families make the most of time off together."
Participating Services
Under the scheme, under-16s can travel on Southeastern services off-peak for £1. c2c, Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express services offer tickets for £2, as well as Greater Anglia. LNER and Northern are providing family tickets at discounted prices for up to two adults and four children across their networks, with average savings of 77 per cent.
Industry Support
Patricia Yates, chief executive of VisitEngland, commented: "It is great to see these rail savings as the summer holidays get underway, supporting families to get out and explore the outstanding attractions and destinations across England. Travelling by rail opens up iconic locations as well as less explored destinations, with stunning scenery along the way. The ease and convenience of rail travel also broadens travel itineraries, encouraging visitors to travel further and stay longer and in a stress-free and environmentally friendly way."
Background
The Great British Summer Savings drive was first announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves before she was replaced by John Healey. The initiative aims to alleviate cost-of-living pressures for families during the summer period.
