Decision delayed on rail refunds
RAIL firms are refusing to offer season ticket holders full refunds despite the coronavirus shutdown.
Transport Focus, the official rail watchdog, is calling for those following the Government’s guidance to work from home to be fully reimbursed for non-travel days. The passenger organisation said commuters should not be punished for following official advice.
Rail sources told The Daily Telegraph that operators were waiting until they had finalised a financial aid package with ministers before making substantial changes to refund policies.
Meanwhile, the Government is expected to today announce a reduced rail timetable, agreed with operators, as a result of reduced passenger demand. “Core services” to ensure people can commute to work will continue to operate, but from Monday there will be a gradual reduction in services on wide parts of the network.
Demand for trains has declined by up to 69 per cent on some routes. Key
‘Coronavirus is creating exceptional circumstances, train companies should do the right thing’
freight services will not be interrupted.
At the moment, commuting season ticket holders may only receive partial refunds while having to explain why they were unable to travel.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: “Coronavirus is creating exceptional circumstances which don’t always fit the normal ticket refund rules – it’s important that train companies do the right thing.”
Most rail operators have waived the £10 administration fee usually associated with claiming a refund. Some have also introduced refunds and credit schemes for passengers cancelling advance tickets.
A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the train companies, said: “We understand that people may not wish to travel in the way they had originally planned.
“Season tickets can be refunded, depending on how long is left unused on them, and people should get in touch with us.”
Transport for London said it would be issuing refunds to Tube season ticket holders now working from home as well as waiving the usual £5 reclaim administration fee.