Theresa Villiers MP for Chipping Barnet has welcomed the decision by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to extend its compensation scheme for Great Northern passengers most affected by disruption which occurred after the introduction of the May timetable. In addition to the existing offer of payments to season ticket holders, regular travellers, such as part-time workers who do not have a season ticket, will be able to apply for compensation.
“The disruption suffered on GTR following the May timetable introduction was unacceptable and from the start I called for a generous compensation scheme for constituents subjected to this travel misery, “said Theresa. “I made this point to GTR and the Transport Secretary.”
“I was worried to learn that compensation for disruption usually only goes to season-ticket holders. I am therefore pleased that GTR have listened to the concerns raised by MPs and passengers and will now be offering compensation to non-season ticket holders who travel regularly on Great Northern rail services. I am encouraging constituents to apply to the scheme.”
“I maintained pressure on GTR throughout the period of disruption to get a grip and start providing a good service. I will continue to urge them to restore services lost as a result of the recent switch to an interim timetable. Compensation for passengers is welcome but the most important task for GTR is to ensure that services are reliable and that this timetable fiasco is not repeated.”
This week GTR have begun the first phase of the compensation process where they will be contacting begin contacting qualifying season ticket holders. For more information on the additional industry compensation scheme and to see if you are eligible for compensation go to https://railcompensation.thameslinkrailway.com/. This compensation package is in addition to the Delay-Repay scheme routinely available for passengers whose journeys are subject to excessive delays.