A NEW compensation scheme to give railway passengers money back off their fare if they are delayed on their commute has been welcomed by Evesham’s MP.
Great Western Railway chiefs have revealed the company will introduce a ‘delay repay’ scheme for passengers from April 1.
The introduction of the scheme means customers with single, return or weekly tickets will be able to claim compensation for any delay more than 15 minutes whatever the cause.
Passengers delayed between 15 and 29 minutes will be able to claim back compensation worth 25 per cent of the single fare and this will rise incrementally to 100 per cent of the full fare for longer delays.
Discussions between GWR and the Department for Transport about extending the new scheme to season ticket holders are ongoing but for the time being passengers holding monthly or longer season tickets will remain on the current compensation scheme.
Season ticket holders will also retain their existing renewal discounts.
Speaking after the announcement, Mr Huddleston said: “One of the issues raised most frequently with me by constituents about GWR is the complexity of the compensation scheme so I am sure the introduction of this new system will be welcome news for passengers.
“There is still more work to be done to ensure that GWR passengers are getting the reliable services they deserve but ensuring that people can be compensated quickly and fairly when things go wrong is a step in the right direction.”
