Veterans will soon have a discounted railcard which will provide cheaper train travel to ex-service members.

Starting from this year’s Armistice Day (November 11), the new Veteran’s Railcard will roll out to provide cheaper train travel to 830,000 veterans and their families who are not covered by existing discounts.

Hemel Hempstead MP Sir Mike Penning welcomed the confirmation of the new Veteran’s Railcard, honouring a promise made in the election campaign.

The railcard forms part of the Government’s wider veterans action plan which will introduce many measures including guaranteed public sector interviews and national insurance reductions for organisations employing veterans.

Sir Mike said: “I welcome the new focus on supporting our veterans and our commitment to repaying the dedication and courage shown by former servicemen and women in the defence of our country.

“This railcard is a one step of many that the Government is making to support our veterans.”

Serving personnel can already buy the existing HM Forces Railcard for £21 a year.

But the upcoming card will cost veterans £21 for a limited period before rising to £30.

The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, said: “Our military personnel are rightly valued throughout their service in HM armed forces.

“They make sacrifices and put themselves in danger to protect and serve our country.

“It is only right that we continue to show how much we value their efforts once they leave the armed forces too.”