Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with train operating companies on the nature and level of compensation available to passengers for delayed and cancelled services; and if he will make a statement.

All Train Operating Companies (TOCs) are required under their franchise agreement to have in place a Passenger's Charter which will include arrangements for compensation for passengers.

In connection with the severe weather related disruption earlier this year, the Department for Transport (DfT) sought to understand what First Great Western's proposals on compensation were likely to be. Where discussions have taken place with other TOCs these will also have been to ensure that the DfT was aware of their intentions and not to seek to require these to be changed.

An improved system of compensation based on delays to individual journeys, known as Delay/Repay, is being introduced for all passengers in place of the system of poor performance discounts and optional Void Days for season ticket holders.　 Introduction is taking place as franchises are let following competitions and opportunities arise within Direct Awards and existing franchises.　 Where discussions have taken place between the DfT and TOCs these will have been in this context.