Train strike refunds: you could claim hundreds of pounds even if you didn’t try to travel

Train travellers embroiled in the disruption caused by the latest round of rail strikes – planned to take place on various days between December 1-9 – will be keen to claim back any money they can.

While passengers have endured months of cancelled services, season ticket holders can at least take solace from the fact that they are entitled to compensation for each official strike day.

This is the case even if you wouldn’t usually have travelled on a day when the industrial action took place. We take a closer look at what you can claim.

Claiming compensation for a season ticket

While getting some financial recompense will be very welcome to passengers with season tickets, there’s no simple “strike” option that you can apply for when you want to reclaim.

Martyn James, a consumer rights expert, said: “How the refund process works depends on the rail company in question, so you need to check its website for details. Also, the way the refund is calculated for a season ticket is pro rata and is rather complex. You can start the process through the train operator’s website.”

If you didn’t travel on a strike day and the operator runs a “Delay Repay” scheme, this may well be the way you need to make your claim. Delay Repay is the national scheme to compensate passengers.

Under the scheme, you are entitled to 50pc of your ticket price if your arrival is between 30 and 60 minutes late and a full refund if you arrive more than an hour late.

To give you an idea, here is what CrossCountry’s website says: “In the case of season tickets, Delay Repay compensation is calculated based on the proportional single ticket price paid for that journey. For example, the daily proportional cost of a seven-day ticket is calculated based on an assumption that 10 single journeys are made per working week (five return journeys).”

To ensure you get the right amount, make sure you’ve got a scan of your season ticket photocard to hand.

While it might involve a bit of paperwork, you could potentially claim back hundreds of pounds.

There’s a useful tool at the National Rail website that will help you find your rail operator and find out how much you might be entitled to.

What if I have a different type of ticket?

If you have an Advance, Anytime or Off-Peak ticket, you should be able to get it refunded fee-free if the train you are booked for is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled.

Mr James said: “Once again, how that process works depends on the individual rail companies.”

That said, it’s worth noting that the official wording is that you “may” be entitled to a fee-free exchange or refund from the original retailer of your ticket.

Mr James said: “Train operators have a few caveats, which is why the statement features the word ‘may’ when mentioning refunds.” When strikes happen, some operators may allow you to use your ticket on other services.

Or there may be rail replacement or emergency services available. Mr James added: “Looking at the Ts&Cs on some train websites, they say they will only pay out if you can’t travel or are delayed when taking these alternative services.”

Typically, you have 28 days to complete your rail compensation claim.

Which train operating companies are involved in the industrial action?

Rail services operated by 14 companies have been affected by the strike action (Transport for Wales and ScotRail are unaffected). They are listed in the table below.

Check ahead

Currently, strikes and overtime bans are planned to take place on various days between December 1-9. 

While some trains will still run, services may be subject to delays, cancellations, and may finish earlier than usual. 

The key is to be prepared and to use the National Rail journey planner tool before travel. When you buy a ticket, be sure to keep all receipts, whether electronically or in print.

This article is kept updated with the latest information.