Burnham eyes railcard expansion to cut rail fares

Burnham takes aim at rail prices

The Prime Minister has described some fares as “outrageously” high. In a signal of intent last week he announced plans to extend the 16-17 Saver Railcard so that young people can use it until the day before their 19th birthday, rather than losing it at 18.

The change comes into force on 17 August and will give thousands of students 50% off, part of a wider push to ease the cost pressures on households.

What the Burnham railcard plan could mean

Government sources said discussions on extending other railcards are at a “very early stage”, with officials weighing options that go further than the rail fare freeze introduced this year.

Two influential left-wing think tanks are urging the Prime Minister to turn the Network South East railcard into a national one, a step that would follow his earlier flagship policy interventions.

Officials confirmed the Prime Minister will spend August in “listening mode”, touring the country to hear how the government can ease the cost of living, having promised voters some “breathing space”, the Independent reported. He is expected to unveil further measures to help with bills, the Mirror added.