Can I legally claim for delays by a train company?

[OliverJames]

Hello forum!

I wasn't entirely sure where this would sit within the forum so apologies if this isn't the correct place, but I am looking for some advice as to whether or not I am within my rights to invoice my train provider for their incessant delays, one of which cause me to be over 3hrs delayed getting home!

Their compensation policy states that they offer a 5% discount on monthly season ticket renewals, and this is based on the level of service they have provided, but this is no longer enough as the service, if anything, is getting worse!!

I read about a case in January this year of a woman successfully invoicing a bus company and winning - does this open the gate? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...time-wins.html)

Should there be a reasonable case for this I have a feeling it will open up a flood of correspondence from other commuters which, if nothing else, will get the message well and truly across to the management.

I look forward to hearing back!

Thanks

Ollie

[Amethyst]

Re: Can I legally claim for delays by a train company?

''As a minimum, if you are one hour late at your destination, you are entitled to 20% of the price of a Weekly Season Ticket, but some companies offer compensation for delays of less than one hour.''

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_...pes/72098.aspx

[Kati]

Re: Can I legally claim for delays by a train company?

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/englan...ayed_train.htm

The train company will give you your compensation in the form of National Rail vouchers. These vouchers are valid for one year and can be exchanged for a ticket on any railway service, but can’t be used online.
If you don’t want your compensation to be paid in vouchers you should ask for another method but the company may refuse.

You must ask for compensation as it isn't given automatically. You can claim your compensation on the spot or by writing to the customer services section of the train company.You can get details from the ticket collector or from the station where you bought your ticket or where your train arrived. You have to claim within 28 days. Make sure you keep your ticket as you'll need it as evidence if you make a claim.
No ticket often means no compensation.
If you make your claim by post, make sure you get a certificate of postage. If there is any problem with your claim the certificate will prove the date you posted it.

[OliverJames]

Re: Can I legally claim for delays by a train company?

Hey there Amethyst,

The issue that season ticket holders face is that their policy for compensation doesn't reach outside the 5% for monthly discount, you can only claim for the specific journey if you have purchased a daily or weekly ticket (which I, and the majority of the effected commuters don't use), hence looking at claiming elsewhere.

This is possibly a long shot, but with the woman being successful claiming for delays on the bus (one of which was only 4mins!!) then I am hopeful there is a case for the trains.

Thanks for your response!

Ollie

[wales01man]

Re: Can I legally claim for delays by a train company?

Read the terms and conditions of travel its very specific and offers compensation if you invoice them for anything unlikely you will get anything .
A train going into London which is delayed as you were could have 500 plus passengers if they all invoiced a claim every time your fares would rise