The change takes effect from August 17, and is timed to coincide with the start of the new academic year. More students in education or training will now be eligible for half-price rail fares for longer. Lord Peter Hendy, rail minister, said: "This kind of common-sense change is exactly what passengers should expect from the railway. Under the previous rules, more than 70,000 students each year lost out on the maximum discount, costing them an average of £175. The railcard is aimed at supporting students who rely on trains to travel to school, college, work placements, or training schemes.