Rail timetable crisis in the north – watchdog challenges industry over compensation

19 June 2018

Transport Focus has challenged the rail industry to reveal its full plans for compensating passengers hit by timetable disruption.

The independent watchdog and passengers quizzed the managing directors of Northern and TransPennine, David Brown and Leo Goodwin, and Patrick Cawley of Network Rail, at a special Board meeting in Manchester today.

The rail industry started by saying sorry for the frustration and misery inflicted on passengers for the last month. They say there is a plan to restore reliability and the missing 165 Northern services. Passengers will now judge the day-to-day reliability of the railway.

Chief executive Anthony Smith said:

“We are still waiting to hear more detail from train companies on how they will compensate those affected by the recent timetable crisis. This must include something for the increasing number of people who travel regularly but do not buy season tickets such as flexible and part-time workers or those making regular leisure or business trips.”

Rail passengers have suffered frustrating disruption since 20 May, when a new timetable was introduced.

Almost half of Britain’s rail services were rescheduled and passengers were affected right across the rail network.

Unprecedented delays, confusion and cancellations have made life miserable for many northern passengers.

We are pushing, on behalf of passengers, for:

  • stable timetables and reliable services to be restored
  • passengers in the north to be able to claim compensation after 15 minutes delay rather than 30, as is the case on Thameslink services
  • special compensation that recognises the full extent of the disruption to people’s lives.

Notes to editors

Press office contact: Kieran Watkins on 0300 123 0836 /  kieran.watkins@transportfocus.org.uk

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