Delayed rail passengers to get cash compensation

New compensation arrangements for rail passengers have come into effect. Under changes to the National Rail Conditions of Carriage, passengers claiming compensation for delays and disruption will be able to receive it in cash instead of rail vouchers, if they request it.

Different train companies have different arrangements but generally if a passenger is delayed by more than 30 minutes for any reason they may be entitled to some compensation.

David Mapp, commercial director at the Association of Train Operating Companies, said: "Compensation for delays has become increasingly generous and easy to apply for and today's changes underline the industry's commitment to offering passengers an ever better deal, including how they receive compensation.

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"The timetable is the rail industry's commitment to its passengers and we never want people to suffer delays or disruption. Train operators and Network Rail are working hard together to make more trains run on time but when things do go wrong we want to put it right."

Rail minister Claire Perry said: "Passengers have told us that they want better compensation when their trains are delayed, and I am pleased that the industry has responded.

"This change is a positive first step but I am working with the industry to ensure more improvements are delivered as soon as possible. This is all part of our plan to give hard-working commuters a better deal and better journeys."