STUDENT RAIL TRAVEL

gabriella

My 17yr old son has just started college. The college is about 25 miles away from home and the only way for him to get there is by train. He attends three and a half days a week to study Built Environment and Engineering.

After my husband and I were made redundant and subsequently lost our home, rather than sponge off the state, we started our own business which is now just supporting the family and a VERY NEW first time mortgage, because or joint earnings are over the £13,000 PA limit we are unable to get any assistance with travel expenses, so this is costing me £10 a day, £40pw, etc. Because we earn marginally more than the limit we are having to find an extra £160pm and are finding this a real struggle.

What’s happened to the Student Rail Card? I feel as though we would be better off if we didn’t bother working and didn’t have any pride and just became a burden on the State, then we would get full assistance.

What is the incentive to encourage or children to go on to further education, to enable them to get good jobs so they don’t become a burden on the State?

???

1jacks64

I know exactly the scenario. I have just finish University and was having to spend £40p/w on rail fares to commute. People used to say why don't you get the Young Persons Railcard but I didn't see much point because it can't be used before 10am on weekdays which was mostly the time when I was travelling by train. If this restriction wasn't on the Railcard so that they could be used at anytime then it would help hard pressed students and their families.

Or even better it would be good if students could have free rail travel just like the over 65s get on the london buses. I belive this would be the right thing to do if the Government is really serious about getting to university/college because travelling expenses such as train fares which seem to be going up in price are a real disincentive for people who live on low incomes which most students do.

And while I'm on this 'student' money subject why don't students get free tv licences like the over 75s do as financially they are pretty much in the same boat.

gabriella

I couldn't agree more

16011996

try here there is a discount card here. it costs £20, but you save a third off fares, so should save you money in the long run.

gabriella

Thank you, but you can only use that after 10am in the morning, I think you will find that colleges and uni's start at 9am

16011996

sorry, hadn't realised that. :-[

gabriella

That's the problem, that's why I am so incensed with this situation. >:(

16011996

it does seem silly, how can they be expected to get to class on time if cheap travel is only after 10am. thats no use at all.

gabriella

EXACTLY

gabriella

Even more angry now after hearing Radio 2 discussion this afternoon, with MP's getting all their travel expenses paid for

16011996

yes i heard that too. does your head in doesn't it. >:(