how to buy one and who is eligible

Staff reporter,London(wp/es):

Four million 26-30 year olds will be able to get their hands on new railcard to save money on leisure train travel, the rail industry has announced.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) confirmed the new "millennial" railcard will go on sale at the end of the 2018, following its announcement last year.

Those taking part in a trial took an average of six leisure journeys a month, covering an average of 400 miles, and "if this trend continues then National Rail 26-30 Railcard holders will save themselves an average of £125 a year when they travel by train", said the RDG.

So what is the rail card, how much can you save and when can you buy one?

What is the new Millennial Railcard?

Plans to give more young adults a railcard up to the age of 30 were unveiled in the chancellor's Autumn 2017 budget.

It is a "digital only" card, meaning passengers need to use their smartphone to download it, and costs £30 for the year.

It will be applicable to all four million 26-30 year olds, after a successful trial in the Spring included 20,000 customers.

How much can you save?

For £30, people will be entitled to a third off most leisure fares for 12 months. Travelling before 10am on a weekday will mean a minimum fare of £12. Judging by the trial of 20,000 passengers, this will mean an average saving of £125 a year, the industry officials said - or £95 excluding the cost of the card.

The 16-25 railcard does not have the morning restriction throughout July and August because those using them will be more likely to be students and travelling for leisure. The morning restrictions will be in place throughout July and August for those with the new 26-30 card.

This is the same restrictions which apply to the 16-25 railcard, but the Millennial card will extend the restrictions throughout July and August, as those journeys are likely for commuting, when younger passengers would more likely be students and be travelling for leisure.

So, if you wanted to travel from London to Brighton this afternoon, a £41.80 ticket would cost £27. A £104 ticket to York would be £68.90, saving around £34.60. Or if you booked in advance, the original £58 single ticket would be reduced to £38.30.

Where does it work?

The railcard is being delivered nationwide - all rail companies are involved. But it doesn't apply on sleeper trains, first-class and season tickets, or on Eurostar services.

What if I don't have a smartphone?

If you don't have a phone, or if your phone has run out of battery, you will be allowed to download your card on someone else's phone, but there won't be any paper cards.

When can I get one?

The Rail Delivery Group hasn't given an exact date, but said it would be released "before the end of the year".

It's already an option when you search for tickets on national rail enquires, but a ticket purchased using the railcard won't be valid if you can't present your card.