YCST Members Travelling with LNER – Further Update

We want to update members on our discussions with LNER around discounted travel. Discussions have been ongoing since July 2025. Early indications were that some kind of contract was a possibility. As an interim step back on August 16^th 2025 we alerted members to publicly available group discount schemes which, whilst not without their limitations, at least offered a means to discounted travel.

It is disappointing to report that after 7 months of discussions we now reach a conclusion that these publicly available schemes offer the best option for our supporters. According to LNER following the release of their ‘Velocity’ timetable in late 2025 their renewed timetable offers greater frequency of trains, reduced ticket pricing and a change to some of their contractual schemes.

In a nutshell the contracts available suit businesses that can commit to high volume in return for fixed price continuity over an 18 month period. It simply does not work for YCST.

That said all is not lost. There are options available which can offer discounts of between 20% and circa 50%. But it does mean supporters coming together and planning their journeys with one of the group taking charge of the booking.

LNER’s Charlotte Ives, International Development Manager, who has been our point of contact throughout has provided the following information.

 (3-9 passengers) For Small Group Bookings

‘Direct online/app bookings will enable supporters for either the small groups discount (3-9pax) of 20% discount OR use of their railcards at 33% discount. The customer will also be eligible for LNER Perks and able to redeem these points on the app/website. This is a great for supporters without rail cards. This option also has the amendment offer that for a small fee tickets can be amended if a match was to be cancelled/postponed. This option also allows you to make multiple small group bookings for times when getting 10 people to commit at the same time is not viable ( provided availability is still available). This also gives you the flexibility when smaller groups want different arrival and departure times’

For Public Group Bookings (10 plus passengers)

‘Public groups option is for groups of over 10. Between 10 – 19 there is a 22% discount plus the railcards, 20+passengers would be 17% discount plus the railcards. All passengers must travel at the same time in the same group booking. This offer does not have the option of amendments and Perks points’

In summary discounts of between 20% and circa 50% are available. It may be worth regular travellers investing in a railcard. Even without railcard a 20% discount is available. LNER perks – ie cash back – may be available. The £10 amendment fee for postponed fixtures may be available. Supporters will have to join together to plan their travel and nominate a lead passenger. Full details of the options are on the LNER website.

We would very much like to have been able to provide a simpler solution but that has proven to be beyond our control.

YCST would like to place on record our thanks to the four supporters who had stepped forward ready to help us administer any contract that might have been achieved.

For further information please contact the Trust via info@ycst.org.uk or visit us at the YCST gazebo pre Saturday home fixtures  at the LNER.