Asked by: Baroness Gould of Potternewton (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Southern Rail has made, or is considering, any proposal to provide compensation for regular passengers who do not hold a season ticket.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Holders of day tickets are able to claim compensation through the Delay Repay scheme. On 11 December we introduced Delay Repay 15 which applies to passengers with day single and return tickets as well as to season ticket holders. All passengers are able to claim 25% of the cost of the single fare for delays between 15 and 29 minutes. The existing compensation thresholds will apply for delays from 30 minutes with passengers able to apply for compensation through the train operating company. Delay Repay from 30 minutes is already one of the most generous compensation schemes in Europe.
Asked by: Baroness Gould of Potternewton (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with Southern Rail to ensure that there are adequate support services for the elderly and disabled, particularly at times of reduced service.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Officials meet regularly with franchisees, and at these meetings assistance for passengers at such times may be one of the discussion topics. Each operator is required to participate in the Passenger Assist system which allows passengers to book staff assistance when they require it, and we expect Southern to ensure that passengers receive that assistance when required at all times.