Rail vouchers redemption is extended, but not railcards

THE Department for Transport has given a six-month extension to redeem travel vouchers which have expired or are due to expire between October 20, 2020, and June 30, 2021. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This extension ensures that passengers with travel vouchers are not penalised for following Government advice. “By offering people more time to redeem their vouchers, we are ensuring that passengers will not be left out of pocket as they come back to the railways.” For the 5.1 million holders of railcards, particularly three-year ones where the majority have been unable to travel and have now lost a third of the value of the cards, there is no such offer, as this is seen as a cost to the taxpayer.

Recoup costs

The view is that with travel beginning to increase, the cost of the period of non-use can still be recouped. As restrictions ease and passenger numbers begin to increase, the number of services operated is due for a significant uplift from the May timetable change. Currently the number of services per day is about 18,000.