Young people

TrainCard - what is it?

The Hertfordshire Student TrainCard is a special pass that entitles you to travel for two thirds of the adult season ticket fare. The discount is only valid within Hertfordshire and can only be used for home to school/college journeys between the stations stated on the TrainCard.

To get a card you need to meet the following requirements:

• Attending school sixth form or a Further Education(FE) college within Hertfordshire having completed compulsory education.
• Aged between 16 and 18 years of age, or completing a course started before your 19th birthday.
• A resident of Hertfordshire.

A Hertfordshire Student TrainCard does not entitle you to travel – it is for you to present at the station when you are buying your ticket to confirm your eligibility for the discount. The TrainCard is only valid when purchasing a weekly, monthly or quarterly adult season ticket – it cannot be used to purchase a single or return day ticket.

You must have your TrainCard with you at the time of travel or you will be charged the full adult fare.

TrainCards are issued at the start of the academic year, and expire at the end of the summer term. A card can be renewed each year as long as the person applying still meets the requirements. If you lose your TrainCard a replacement will cost £20.

Even if you already have a Young Persons Railcard it may still be worth your while to purchase a Hertfordshire Student TrainCard as it entitles you to a third off travel at all times, including before 10am. Please note that the TrainCard cannot be used in conjunction with a Young Persons Railcard or any other offer.

The Hertfordshire Student TrainCard must be returned to Hertfordshire County Council on expiry or if you leave school/college during the academic year. A pre-paid envelope will be sent to you at the relevant time to return your TrainCard.

The TrainCard costs £10, but if your family is on a low income you could get one free of charge (no £10 admin fee). You can see whether you are eligible for a free TrainCard by using the online 'How Can We Help?' form available on the right of this page. Alternatively, please telephone 01438 737370 for further information (callers ringing from 0208 or 01923 numbers may wish to call 01923 471370 in order to be charged at the local rate).

You can print out and complete a Hertfordshire Student TrainCard application form by clicking on the link below or you can pick up forms at your school, college or library. Please ensure that you include a passport-size photo of yourself (with name on the reverse) and a £10 cheque or postal order payable to Hertfordshire County Council (HCC). Please do not send cash.

Please send completed applications (once signed and stamped by your school/college) to:

16-19 Transport Partnership
1st Floor Registrars Block
County Hall
Hertford
SG13 8DF

For full conditions of use please follow the link at the bottom of this page.

To see which train stations are included in the TrainCard scheme, and a map of the train routes through Herts, please click on the link below.

Details of train services in Hertfordshire (including routes and times) can be found on the Intalink website, accessible from the right side of this page. Alternatively, call the traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (Calls from BT landlines cost 10p per minute, other providers'charges may vary). For general train queries please call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.