A PASSENGER group for railways in mid Cheshire has welcomed a new railcard for younger travellers.

The Department for Transport's new 16-17 Saver railcard will offer half-price rail travel to more than a million teenagers in England and Wales.

Available to use from Monday, September 2, the card goes on sale at 9am on Tuesday, August 20 with up to 1.2 million people eligible.

John Oates, chairman of the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association, has welcomed the move – saying it opens up opportunities for work and study.

He said: “This new Saver is tremendous news for those young people travelling on the Mid Cheshire Line and our local line between Crewe and Liverpool.

“I am sure this new saver from the rail industry will be much appreciated by those 16 to 17 year olds who live in mid Cheshire and travel regularly into Manchester, Chester and Liverpool and further afield.

“This means more money in the pocket for young people and gives them a strong incentive to use the train and travel in a more environmentally friendly way.

“MCRUA are proud to have initiated the Education Scholar ticket scheme on the Mid Cheshire Line which has been running for some years.

"We understand, for Scholar Season Tickets starting in September, details will be announced shortly for those aged up to 16 and will be like last year.”

The Saver cards cost £30, with discounts available on most rail travel, including peak and season tickets.

Robert Nisbet, nations and regions director at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “The launch of the 16-17 Saver, in partnership with the Department for Transport, demonstrates the rail industry’s commitment to providing the best value fares for all customers.

“There are 1.2 million people aged 16 or 17 years in Great Britain – working together, we want to ensure they can access affordable rail travel with the new 16-17 Saver.”