Thameslink passengers are to be offered extra compensation after the latest timetable fiasco, the train operator’s owner said this evening (Wednesday 4 July).
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said that season ticket holders would receive refunds for the equivalent of up to four weeks’ travel.
GTR runs Thameslink, Southern, Gatwick Express and Great Northern services.
The company is offering the compensation to Thameslink and Great Northern passengers because they have been the worst affected by the new timetable which was introduced in May.
It said: “Govia Thameslink Railway has announced a special compensation scheme in agreement with the Department for Transport for Thameslink and Great Northern passengers most severely affected by disruption following May’s timetable change.
“Compensation will be paid to qualifying season ticket holders according to the level of disruption on Thameslink and Great Northern services.
“Refunds will be the equivalent to the cost of one week or four weeks’ rail travel depending on the disruption to services for passengers and subject to qualifying criteria.
“The scheme will be funded by the rail industry, including GTR, in recognition of the disruption caused by the failure of the new May timetable.
“GTR is working with the DfT to make available full details of the scheme within a week. This will include a full list of qualifying stations, eligibility details and claims advice.”
GTR chief operating officer Nick Brown said: “I am deeply sorry for the disruption which the rail industry is working very hard to fix.
“This compensation is offered in addition to our usual ‘Delay Repay’ compensation for journey delays of 15 minutes or more and enhanced compensation for season tickets holders.
“We will shortly provide full details of the industry compensation scheme including eligibility criteria and claims advice.”
