Ombudsman in Conservative plan

The Conservative Party was expected to unveil proposals in its manifesto for the creation of a new Rail Ombudsman, to provide easier access to refunds for delayed passengers and to impose fines on the most unpunctual train companies.

Although the policy was unconfirmed as this issue of RAIL went to press, the proposals for an Ombudsman are expected to be based on a Private Member’s Bill tabled by East Worthing & Shoreham candidate Tim Loughton before Parliament was dissolved.

Under his proposals, rail operators would automatically pay compensation into a central fund whenever trains were delayed severely. Passengers could also receive automatic payment into their bank accounts.

In addition to streamlining compensation arrangements, a new Ombudsman could also be given powers to make train operators compensate passengers for other problems such as overcrowding.