Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that where Network Rail pays compensation to a train operating company, there is a duty on the company (a) to pass on a proportion of that compensation to all affected passengers and (b) to pro-actively inform passengers of that automatic entitlement; and if he will make a statement.

Where not already in place we are introducing the Delay/Repay scheme, and other enhanced compensation regimes as new franchises are let, and as opportunities arise within existing franchises. Delay/Repay is designed to recompense customers for significant delays to their journeys, including through cancellations.

The minimum standard for passenger compensation is set out in the National Rail Conditions of Carriage (NRCoC). The NRCoC are effectively the terms and conditions for rail tickets sold in Great Britain. And 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 their Passenger’s Charters, most TOCs do offer more than the NRCoC minimum. TOCs can, at their discretion, go beyond the commitments in their Passenger’s Charter on an ex gratia basis.

The Government continues to keep this under review to ensure passengers are treated fairly.