Rail passengers using ThamesLink will be able to claim compensation for delays of more than 15 minutes under new government plans.
Currently customers have to be delayed for 30 minutes before claiming compensation, but the government has announced new thresholds that allow customers to reclaim 25% of their train ticket price if delayed for fifteen minutes.
This will allow residents who commute from King’s Cross, Moorgate and north London boroughs to claim for 15 minute delays.
GTR, the parent company of Thameslink are the first to take on the scheme, which will be expanded with any new West Midland, South Western or South Eastern franchises.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling commented on the decreased thresholds as a “major improvement for passengers.”
Train companies have welcome these proposed changes, a statement from the Rail Delivery Group said “we know that every minute counts for passengers and we understand the argument for wanting to start the compensation clock ticking earlier, especially for commuter services.” The changes will be rolled out over the next few months.
