How to claim compensation if you have been affected by train delays today
Services across the country were disrupted
Across the UK, rail passengers were disrupted from commuting on the first working day of 2022, in part due to staff shortages as a result of the coronavirus.
As a result, many travellers have been unable to make it into work on time and are now entitled to compensation.
UK law - specifically the Consumer Rights Act - provides protection for passengers who have had their train significantly delayed or cancelled.
The Act also allows for the opportunity to receive compensation as a result of the disruption, including a full refund if the train is delayed by over one hour.
In order to claim compensation for the disruption caused, you need to apply for a refund to the train company's website. It is likely you will need to include a photo of your ticket, including any relevant information such as the reference booking number.
Rail passengers faced chaos on Tuesday (January 4th) as many rail companies across the country were forced to operate reduced services due to staff shortages.
In Scotland, ScotRail implemented a new train timetable that left 150 popular daily services cut, including Glasgow to Edinburgh and Edinburgh to North Berwick.
Other areas included London Victoria, whose Southern Rail routes have been suspended until January 10th.
The rail transport industry is trying to recover in the wake of the pandemic, as the demand for train travel is currently 50% down on pre-pandemic levels.
Part of the reasoning behind the struggle to recuperate is the recently issued government advice to work from home, as part of England's 'Plan B' to tackle the Omicron variant.