It’s good news that passengers can now claim compensation for train journeys delayed by 15 minutes or more.
Whether getting home late from work, missing a connecting train or arriving late to a meeting – train delays are a nightmare.
Compensation was already available for journeys delayed by over 30 minutes – with a full refund for delays of over 1 hour or cancelled trains. The “Delay Repay 15” scheme allows passengers to claim compensation for journeys delayed between 15-29 minutes.
I’ve been campaigning for a new compensation scheme in recognition that journeys delayed by less than 30 minutes can still cause huge problems for people. Adding 15, 20 or 25 minutes to a journey can be equally frustrating, so I’m pleased that people can now get money back for shorter delays.
The new scheme - introduced on 11 September - allows people to claim 25 per cent of the cost of a single ticket or 12.5 per cent for a return, with compensation also available for season ticket holders.
Ideally, trains should run on time and nobody will need compensation. People need reliable and affordable trains, and I will continue to campaign for better train services in Kent.