Northern Rail Season ticket holders in the areas worst affected by extended rail disruption are to receive compensation equivalent to the cost of four weeks’ worth of travel it has been announced today.
Season ticket holders in other areas affected since the timetable change on 20th May receive compensation equivalent to the cost of one week’s worth of travel
It has also been agreed that a marketing campaign be funded to promote areas where tourism has been severely affected by rail disruption.
Travellers on Northern services on routes in Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester have suffered disruption over a long period of time due to delays to improve the line between Manchester and Blackpool and many cancellations and delays following the implementation of a new timetable on 20 May.
It is expected that the agreed compensation scheme will be implemented rapidly, following agreement from the Rail North Partnership, and will be delivered directly by the train operating companies.
This compensation is on top of the pre-existing delay repay scheme and will also apply to season ticket holders who hold multi-modal travel tickets. Further details will be released by the Train Operating Companies.
John Cridland, Chairman of Transport for the North, said,
“We know that the past few months have been very frustrating for many northerners, with those who regularly travel by train being heavily affected. The Transport for the North board has been pressing the rail industry to adequately compensate those who have suffered the most. I’m delighted that we are now able to start doing this but there is still more work to be done.
“Compensation for season ticket holders will be administered directly by the train operating companies, with Northern and TransPennine Express due to announce details of how people can claim very soon.”
