Labour calls on train companies to give forces veterans cheaper travel

Labour is today calling on train companies to explore the extension of concessionary travel for the Armed Forces to UK veterans. The party believes concessionary travel should be provided to all who have served their country. Currently the HM Forces Railcard saves currently serving personnel a third on rail fares. Labour is proposing this is extended to the 332,826 veterans who are on the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, with no cost to the exchequer, as the scheme is granted by the train companies themselves.

The plan is backed by both Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy and Shadow Transport Secretary Maria Eagle. Murphy said that:

“Government must work with business to ensure there is lifelong support for those who serve their nation, which is why it is right that train companies pay a small portion of their profit to extend concessions to veterans.”

Whilst Eagle told train companies that they could do this voluntarily – or risk being forced to do so in future:

“If they cannot voluntarily bring forward a scheme this year then Ministers must act to make it a condition of all future rail franchises.”