Bournemouth Labour’s Local Election Campaign

Published: 07 August 2026

Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes has welcomed the Government’s decision to halve rail fares for 16 to 18-year-olds.

The move will allow thousands more young people to benefit from half-price travel as they continue education, training, and first jobs from September. The move would have helped 70,000 young people last year.
16-17 Saver Railcards will now be valid for a year from the date of purchase.

The move follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s cap on bus fares at £2 and a freeze on rail fares for the first time in 30 years, with passengers expected to save around £600 million this year.

Tom Hayes MP said: “Young people tell me about the cost of travel being a barrier to getting on. I welcome this common-sense cut of rail fares in half as part of a package to help young people, which includes the new cap on bus fares at £2.

“Transport is a priority for me after securing funding to make Pokesdown Station step-free, with work beginning this year, and continuing to push for faster, more reliable services to London.”