Rail passengers may soon only be eligible for compensation if their train journey is delayed by at least 30 minutes, according to new government proposals. Currently, most train companies refund 25% of the ticket price for delays between 15 and 29 minutes. For delays of 30 to 59 minutes, passengers usually receive 50% compensation, increasing to a full refund for delays exceeding one hour.
Under the proposed changes, passengers will only receive compensation for delays exceeding 30 minutes, eliminating the need for them to complete online forms or provide ticket proof to claim refunds. The plans aim to streamline the existing “delay repay” schemes into a unified system.
As part of the nationalization process of UK rail companies, all major operators are expected to come under public ownership by October 2027. Once nationalized, compensation costs will be covered by taxpayer funds rather than private operators.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, approximately £138 million was paid out to rail passengers in compensation. The Department for Transport declined to confirm the proposed changes but emphasized the government’s commitment to railway reforms to enhance punctuality and passenger trust.
Trainline disclosed that rail passengers are missing out on over £80 million annually in compensation for delays. The company has initiated a petition urging the government to enable easier online claims for compensation. Trainline’s CEO, Jody Ford, highlighted the need for simpler compensation processes to align with advancements in ticketing technology and reiterated the importance of industry and government collaboration for practical rail reforms.