FINALLY Rail Card available for Reserves and their family. Issue: HM Forces Railcard – Expanding eligibility for the Volunteer Reserves Audience: All Volunteer Reserves (including Civilian Personnel who are members of the Volunteer Reserve) · On 28 Jun 14, the Prime Minister announced that the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) have reached agreement with MOD to expand the eligibility of the HM Forces Railcard to all Volunteer Reserves, their spouses/civil partners and dependant children, with effect from 1 July 14. · It currently costs £15 per annum and gives the cardholder access to a variety of discounts. It offers greater benefits than many other concessionary Railcards. · Under MOD’s Future Reserves 2020 plan Volunteer Reserves will be an integral part of the Armed Forces. · Defence continues to work closely with Employers to recognise the benefits of Reserve Service, and to offer their continued support to our Reserve Forces. Q&A 1. Why has the Volunteer Reserve been included? The MOD and ATOC have agreed to expand the eligibility of the HM Forces Railcard for the Volunteer Reservists on the basis that they are an integral part of the Armed Forces under our Future Reserves 2020 plans. Mobilised Reserves are already eligible for HM Forces Railcard. 2. How much will it cost? £15 per annum. This price is less than equivalent Railcards (see railcard.co.uk) and offers many benefits, including eligibility of family members. HM Forces Railcard represents exceptional value for money for SP and their families who use the UK rail network on a regular basis. Last year, the average savings on rail fares for holders of HM Forces Railcards was £143. The HM Forces Railcard is considerably cheaper than all other concessionary Railcards. However, it is an individual decision on whether to buy one. 3. What are the benefits? With the HM Forces Railcard the cardholder can receive the following discounts: a. 34% discount - Anytime, Anytime Day, Off-Peak, Off-Peak Day, Super Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak Day, Advance, Off Peak Travelcard, Anytime Day Travelcard, Oyster Off-Peak pay as you go single fares, Oyster Off-Peak Daily Price Cap fares, Weekender, European First, European Standard and European Saver. b. 10% discount – Caledonian Sleeper First Open and Standard Open. 4. How do I buy a HM Forces Railcard? Contact Chief Clerk, HeLEN. The cost of the Railcard is usually deducted from your salary but can be paid in cash or by cheque. HM Forces Railcards can be obtained by war widows/widowers and their dependants through the Royal British Legion. Applicants will need to be in receipt of a Forces Family pension. HM Forces Railcards cannot be purchased at National Rail stations 5. Are there any restrictions on its use? The use of a Railcard is subject to the conditions of use printed on its reverse, and on the Photocard. In addition, all SP and entitled dependants must abide by the formal Conditions of contained on the product website (hmforces-railcard.co.uk). Railcards must not be used to obtain tickets for duty travel or for regular journeys between an individual’s residence and place of duty (including Drill Nights), work or education. . 6. Can I buy a HM Forces Railcard for my family? Eligible spouses/civil partners and dependant children are eligible to be issued with a Railcard. The application process is exactly the same as the one outlined above. 7. What happens if I lose my HM Forces Railcard? If a Railcard is lost or stolen the Railcard holder should report this to their Unit HR staff. A replacement Railcard can then be issued at the full price of £15 to the Railcard holder. The new replacement Railcard will carry a validity period of 12 months. The new Railcard will be issued in conjunction with the existing photocard. A replacement Railcard can only be issued by Unit HR staff. 8. What happens to the railcard if my service is terminated? Upon termination of service, the HM Forces Railcard can be retained and will remain valid for use after termination of service until no longer valid i.e. 12 months after the date of issue. 9. Are Veterans eligible for the HM Forces Railcard? Veterans who are members of the Volunteer Reserve will be eligible for the HM Forces Railcard. There are no current plans to extend the current eligibility to Veterans who are not members of the Volunteer Reserve. Veterans may be eligible for other Railcards – further details can be found at nationalrail.co.uk and railcard.co.uk.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 12:29:24 +0000
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