Rail passengers may no longer receive compensation for train delays unless their journey is delayed by at least 30 minutes, according to new proposals being considered by the government. Currently, most train companies refund 25% of the ticket price for delays between 15 and 29 minutes. For delays between 30 and 59 minutes, passengers typically qualify for 50% compensation, which increases to a full refund if the delay exceeds one hour.
Under the potential new rules, passengers would only be eligible for compensation if their journey is delayed by more than 30 minutes. Any compensation owed would be automatically granted, eliminating the need for passengers to submit online “delay repay” forms along with ticket proof.
The Times reported that these proposals are part of a plan to replace current “delay repay” schemes with a unified system. As private contracts with UK rail companies expire, they are transitioning to public ownership, with the aim of bringing all major operators under public control by October 2027.
Once the rail compensations are nationalized, the cost of compensation will be covered by taxpayer funds rather than by private operators. In the 2023-24 financial year, approximately £138 million was paid out to rail passengers. A Department for Transport spokesperson declined to comment on the specific proposals but highlighted the government’s focus on improving rail services and restoring public trust in a timely and reliable train service.
Trainline recently revealed that rail passengers are missing out on over £80 million annually in compensation for delayed journeys. The company has launched a petition urging the government to facilitate easy “one-click” claims for all online ticket purchasers. Trainline’s CEO emphasized the need for streamlined compensation processes to align with advancements in ticket purchasing simplicity and to address passengers’ desire for a more efficient rail industry.