Rail operator NS is introducing new cheaper tickets from this summer for youngsters aged between 12 and 18 in a bid to popularise train travel among the group, NS announced on Thursday.

Although students and younger children already pay reduced fares or travel for free, teenagers are paying full price at the moment. From the summer, however, they will be able to buy a €7.50 day ticket to anywhere in the country outside peak hours, and a weekend ticket for €15.

The rail operator said research showed 12 to 18-year-olds most often use the train for a day’s shopping in a big town, or to see family and friends. Seven in 10 said they would travel by train more often if the price was right and  57% of parents said cheaper tickets would encourage them to take the train for family outings.

An outing for a family of four to Eindhoven from Amsterdam which would normally cost over €80 (one way) would be around €56 once the tickets are introduced.

‘Youngsters who want to go the a sports match or concert are often taken by car by their parents. Now they can go independently and cheaply. Parents don’t have to get the car out so it’s more sustainable as well,‘ NS board member Tjalling Smit said.