Mel Stride MP is encouraging 16 and 17-year-olds in his constituency who use the train to take advantage of a new railcard when it becomes available that will give them half price fares from September. At present, only those aged 15 or younger are entitled to 50% off rail fares, but this new railcard will extend this discount until the cardholder reaches their 18th birthday.
Mel said:
“Whether they are using the train to get to school or college, a job or apprenticeship, or just using it to socialise or visit other parts of the country, this new railcard will make travelling more affordable. I hope it will be especially helpful to young people in and around Crediton who travel regularly into Exeter. The railcard will be available to purchase shortly at www.railcard.co.uk.”
Since becoming an MP in 2010 Mr Stride has been on a mission to improve rail services in his constituency and has been heavily involved in the campaign for the introduction of a regular passenger service between Okehampton and Exeter via Crediton which he hopes will become a reality within the next two years. He has argued that the new service would boost the economies of both Okehampton and Crediton, provide a valuable service to tens of thousands of residents in West Devon who are 45 minutes or longer from their nearest station and reduce traffic along the A30, improving air quality and reducing congestion.
