Train chaos compensation deal set to be signed off

A COMPENSATION package for Northern passengers worst-hit by the timetable chaos is about to be signed off.

Transport for the North’s (TfN) board met with the Department for Transport on Thursday to agree an initial package for season ticket holders in those areas worst affected.

Funded by Network Rail – which is part-funded by the taxpayer – it will also apply to TransPennine customers who have suffered. The agreement, which is subject to sign-off by the Rail North Partnership, includes:

Season ticket holders in the areas worst affected by extended rail disruption (before and after the timetable) to receive compensation equivalent to the cost of four weeks’ worth of travel

Season ticket holders in other areas affected since the timetable change on May 20 to receive compensation equivalent to the cost of one week’s worth of travel

A marketing campaign be funded to promote areas where tourism has been severely affected by rail disruption, in hotspots like the Lake District and Blackpool

TfN has also called for more to be done to recompense passengers who do not hold season tickets.

But this initial package, pending sign-off from the Rail North Partnership Board, will be rolled out first – with a planned launch date of July 9.

The packages will be delivered by Northern and TransPennine.

As confirmed by Jo Johnson – rail minister – in the House of Commons, the cash will come from Network Rail, whose delayed electrification in Manchester has largely been blamed for the timetable issues.

He said earlier this month: “This is an industry funded scheme which Network Rail are paying for in full from within their existing operational budget. Network Rail have accepted that their late completion of upgrades has led to the significant disruption.”

Network Rail, which runs the infrastructure, is partially funded by the taxpayer, as well as charges levied on train operators that use the network and income from commercial property estate.

Neither the Department for Transport (DfT) or TfN could say how much cash had been set aside to pay for compensation. It also remains unclear how many passengers are eligible.

Network Rail, Northern and the DfT have said Network Rail’s delayed electrification works were a root cause. This compensation is on top of the pre-existing ‘delay repay’ scheme and will also apply to season ticket holders who hold multimodal travel tickets.

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.”

Network Rail has been contacted for comment.