The New Railcard For 25- To 30-Year-Olds Will Launch In Early 2018

    No more worrying about paying full price for rail travel when you hit your mid-twenties.

    There's good news if you're aged between 26 and 30: The "millennial railcard" is definitely happening.

    The government has confirmed that it will introduce the discount travel card at some point in spring 2018, meaning people in their late twenties are set to receive substantial discounts on their rail tickets.

    There are limited details on how the new scheme will operate, but it is likely to mirror the existing young person's railcard for 16- to 25-year-olds, which offers a third off most rail and London Underground fares. In common with other railcards, it is likely to be available on a phone app rather than in paper format.

    However, the new railcard is unlikely to be much use for regular commuters, as railcard discounts are restricted before 10am. Instead it will be more useful for off-peak and long-distance journeys.

    Some details of the railcard accidentally leaked via rail industry websites last month but the full policy will be revealed in chancellor Philip Hammond's Budget on Wednesday.

    The policy is being introduced by the Conservative government in the hope of winning over younger voters who overwhelmingly backed Labour in the last general election.

    "This will help young people who are feeling the squeeze to keep more of their hard-earned cash," a government spokesperson said.

    However, Labour issued a caveated welcome. Andy McDonald, Labour's shadow transport secretary, said: "Any move that reduces the cost of travel is welcome but the Tories are tinkering around the edges of a broken system.

    "Our railway should be run by and for passengers, not private shareholders and foreign governments."