By james art If your train journey is canceled or delayed, you may be entitled to a full refund from the ticket seller or compensation from the railway company.
But how do you normally apply for a train refund? Well, the money saving experts at Martin Lewis are here to help.
If you have paid for a single ticket, you should be entitled to a partial or full refund if your train is delayed due to the strikes.
The train was over 30 minutes late. Children become cold and upset. There is no waiting room open despite the wet and windswept platform. You are trying to do the right thing, but the state of Britain’s railways is a joke. @northernassist @AndyBurnhamGM pic.twitter.com/aTH6FE1In6
— Mathew Street (@welsh_yorker) October 20, 2024
Contrary to popular belief, you are not entitled to a full refund if your train is delayed, as this depends on how long your train is delayed.
The majority of railway companies now operate on a “Deferred Payment” system.
How the Deferred Repayment System Works.
This system means that companies pay regardless of whether the delay is their fault.
Below are the times:
- If it’s delayed by 15-29 minutes, you’ll get 25% back (12.5% return discount)
- If delayed by 30-59 minutes, you will get 50% back (25% discount on return)
- You will get 100% back in 60-119 minutes (50% discount on return)
- You will receive a 100% discount on a single or return for delays of 120+ minutes
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How to get a refund
Let’s be honest, most of us admit defeat when looking for a train refund, as the rules, connections and different company policies can make it seem complicated.
Despite attempts to tie you up in knots, however, filing your claim can be easy.
With that in mind, Martin Lewis has revealed these five steps to claim back delayed and canceled trains (provided you haven’t used your ticket on another service):
- Look up the rail company that provides the service and find out how much you can get back.
- Note the delay and the reason for it. Complete the claim form – you can find it online or request one from the station or by phone.
- Keep your tickets – you’ll need to photograph or scan them if you apply online, or post them to the rail company if you apply this way. You must submit a claim directly to the rail company, even if you bought your tickets through a third-party retailer.
- Apply within 28 days.
- If you are refused compensation or a refund, escalate it to the Rail Ombudsman or the independent monitor Transport Focus.
Good luck!