I am pleased to announce to the House that the government has today introduced an amendment to the Railways Bill, aimed at enshrining the discounts available to veterans and service personnel within the framework of law. Currently, veterans and service members enjoy railcards that offer a one-third reduction on most rail fares; however, as of today, this discount lacked any statutory protection. It is crucial that we acknowledge the service and sacrifices made by these individuals, and this legislative move serves to safeguard their entitlements.
This amendment not only provides reassurance to the armed forces community and their families regarding the continued availability of these discounts, but it also reinforces our commitment to prioritising passengers within our railways through the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR).
Transforming Rail Services for Passengers
The government is firmly committed to the belief that, for too long, our railways have been operated with a focus on profit rather than the needs of passengers. This is why we are establishing GBR as a new entity, with a fresh culture and mindset from its inception. GBR will centre its efforts on enhancing the passenger experience, ensuring the delivery of reliable, affordable, and high-quality services that travellers rightfully expect and deserve. Every community will be considered within the GBR framework, as statutory protections already exist for young, elderly, and disabled individuals. Today’s amendment ensures that both current service members and veterans also receive the prioritisation they deserve.
Ensuring Long-Term Benefits for Veterans
By establishing these discounts on a statutory basis, we are guaranteeing that future generations of veterans and service personnel will be able to access these benefits with confidence and certainty. This amendment also complements our recent initiative allowing bereaved military family members to travel for free when attending Remembrance events, thereby removing financial barriers associated with honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Together, these measures illustrate our unwavering commitment to acknowledging the contributions of the armed forces community through tangible actions. Ultimately, this legislative amendment ensures that the sacrifices of veterans and service personnel remain recognised and valued throughout our railways for many years to come.