Burnley veterans to benefit from new cut-price rail travel card

Aimed at supporting veterans after their service, the card will provide up to a third off all peak and off-peak fares, as well as discounted travel for adult companions and children.

The news came as the Transport Secretary presented Captain Sir Tom Moore, who served in the Second World War and won the nation’s heart with his incredible fundraising efforts, with the very first Veterans’ Railcard.

The card pays tribute to the Royal Navy, RAF and Army, using the colours featured on the veterans’ flag.

An estimated 830,000 veterans, who are not currently eligible for existing railcards, will now be able to get up to a third off rail travel from November 5th. It will be on sale at an introductory price of £21 until March 31st, 2021.

Welcoming the new railcard, Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham said: “This is brilliant news for our local veteran community recognising not only the service they have given before, but also the wider contribution so many of them continue to make to our borough.

"Whether it's through this new railcard, the recently established Office for Veterans or the Overseas Operations Bill that is currently going through Parliament, I want our former service men and women across Burnley and Padiham to know that I will always stand by them."

Grant Shapps, UK Transport Secretary, said: “We have an eternal debt of honour to those who have served our country, and this railcard is part of marking our gratitude. For veterans looking to re-enter the world of work and connect with friends and family, it will cut the cost of travel to open up new opportunities.

“I am also delighted to present Sir Captain Tom Moore with the very first railcard. Through his service and his inspirational fundraising, he has shown the selflessness and indomitable spirit of all those who have served.”

Funded by the UK Government, the new Veterans’ Railcard will help open up opportunities for former service personnel, helping veterans with employment and retraining as well as strengthening links to friends and family.

Captain Sir Tom Moore, Captain Tom Foundation, said: “This is a wonderful occasion to accept the first veterans’ rail card.

“It is a rare opportunity to show thanks and gratitude to veterans and this rail card is a necessary recognition and investment in veterans, giving them the ability to re-connect and combat loneliness, something that we promote and support at The Captain Tom Foundation.”