The ScotRail Alliance Travel Scheme Helps Jobseekers

At the ABC we are currently looking at railway travel deals that help jobseekers.

The ScotRail Alliance is setting jobseekers on the fast-track to work with the offer of free travel.

Managing director Alex Hynes was at Clydebank station last year to highlight the ScotRail Alliance’s offer of:

- Two free return journeys a month for jobseekers attending an interview
- A free ScotRail travel ticket for the first month of a person’s return to work

Mr Hynes said that by supporting people back into work, the ScotRail Alliance is helping to grow Scotland’s economy.

Jobseekers are also able to take advantage of the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card - a UK government initiative which allows those who are unemployed and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit to receive a 50% discount on selected rail tickets.

Image: Alex Hynes, ScotRail boss

ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Alex Hynes said:

“We’re building the best railway Scotland has ever had, and part of that is helping to grow the economy and create a fairer country by setting people on the fast-track to work.

“For people out of work, the cost of travelling to an interview can often be a barrier to returning to work.

“By removing that barrier and providing help with the cost, we hope to be able to support people into work and grow Scotland’s economy.

“The support we offer to jobseekers is one of the ScotRail Alliance’s best kept secrets – but I want as many people as possible to know about this opportunity.”

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Employability and Training, said:

"The ScotRail franchise is about much more than delivering a rail service - it acts as an enabler for growth by helping people access education, employment and leisure opportunities across the country.

“This offer to jobseekers does exactly that by making attending interviews and starting work more affordable.”

Criteria

To be eligible for any of these offers, the customer must have been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit for 3-9 months (18-24 year olds) or 3-12 months (over 25s).

Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card

Cardholders are entitled to a 50% discount on selected rail tickets.

Tickets for travel to interview

For jobseekers to obtain up to two free return tickets per month to attend interviews, their local Job Centre issues them with a completed authorisation form which should then be taken to a local station where staff will issue a ticket (valid only when travelling with JCP card as photographic ID).

One month ticket once employment secured

If the jobseeker secures employment and wishes to apply for a free month’s ticket, their local Job Centre will issue them with a completed authorisation form which should then be taken to a station where staff will issue a ticket (valid only when travelling with JCP card as photographic ID).

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