APPRENTICES across the Liverpool City Region will be able to get half-price train travel from today (Monday, September 2).

The new Apprentice Travelcard could potentially help apprentices aged 19 to 24 save up to £680 a year on train travel.

This discount scheme was first put forward as a key election pledge by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

To be eligible to apply for a travelcard, all you have to be is an apprentice aged between 19 to 24 and living within the Liverpool City Region - Wirral, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens and Sefton.

Mayor Rotheram said: “With the autumn term about to begin, I’m pleased that we’re able to help young people starting on apprenticeships by giving them half-price travel which could potentially save them hundreds of pounds a year.

"Apprenticeships are a vital pathway to skilled, well-paid jobs.

"As the TUC highlighted recently, we’re leading the country when it comes to removing transport costs as an obstacle for young people beginning vocational training.

"Yet again, we’re showing how devolution and local decision making can improve the lives of ordinary people across our city region."

Eligible cardholders will be able purchase weekly and monthly Railpass season tickets at 50% discount from all Merseyrail and staffed Northern stations.

Depending on the travel zones covered by the pass, the ticket allows unlimited travel across the Northern, Wirral and City lines with all rail operators, including Merseyrail, Northern and Transpennine Express.

Councillor Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said: “Making travel by public transport easier and more affordable for young people has always been a priority for us.

"Already young people in the Liverpool City Region have access to great value rail fares, with Railpass tickets offering them unlimited travel across the Merseyrail network for less than £2.50 a day.

"I’m delighted that we’ve been able to extend the provision of reduced fares to young apprentices, right up to their 25th birthday.”

Chris Williams, 23, uses his Apprentice Travelcard to access half-price bus travel between his home in Garston and the City of Liverpool College where he is enrolled on a vocational training course.

Chris said: "The half price bus travel has made a massive difference. It makes being an apprentice a much more viable option since I don't have to worry about money as much – it’s saved me a ton already. It's really helped me out, and it's great for me that it's extending to the trains too."

To receive an application pack, speak to training providers, further education colleges, Merseytravel TravelCentres or visit merseytravel.gov.uk/apprentice