Southern Rail strike compensation – how you can claim a refund for the disruption

UNHAPPY Southern Rail customers are suffering the worst disruption since the 1990s as drivers begin begin three days of strikes.

The fresh turmoil comes after months of industrial action have caused misery for passengers on the line.

However, those affected are still able to claim compensation and now the rules mean that they can get a refund as long as the disruptions delays them for more than 15 minutes.

How can you claim compensation for delays?

A new scheme launched earlier this week, called Delay Repay 15, meaning that passengers can claim for compensation as long as disruption delays their arrival at their destination for more than 15 minutes.

Passengers delayed by 15 to 29 minutes get 25 per cent of the cost of a single fare, except when delays are caused by planned works.

Those delayed by 30 to 59 minutes are entitled to half the cost of a single journey, while those hit with delays of between an hour and two houses will be reimbursed the full cost of a single fare.

Anyone suffering more than two hours will be repaid the cost of their entire single journey.

The refunds should also be paid in cash rather than vouchers too.

Passengers are also able to claim compensation - in the form of a one-off payment in addition to the  “Delay Repay 15” compensation scheme.

It means that any rail passenger with a delay of more than 15 minutes will be able to get a full or partial refund for their ticket.

Are you eligible to claim extra compensation from Southern Rail?

Over 84,000 passengers will be able to claim. This includes season ticket holders and anyone who has bought a quarterly, monthly or weekly ticket.

Although, you must have bought tickets for at least 12 weeks between April 24 and December 31 to qualify.

How much compensation will you get?

It depends. Season ticket holders will get the equivalent of a month’s (4 weeks) travel.

This means passengers with a Brighton to London annual season ticket, for example, will get £371 back.

While someone with a ticket from Horsham to London will get £326.

Quarterly, regular monthly and weekly season ticket holders will also qualify for a one off compensation payment.

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Money will either be paid directly into your bank account or claimed as vouchers - but you can choose when it comes to registering your details.

How do you claim a Southern Rail refund?

You don’t need to do anything yet. Southern Rail will start contacting customers it believes qualify for a refund in January 2017.

It will confirm the amount due and ask for bank details to transfer payments.

Southern Rail plans to launch a website to allow customers to register for refunds.

If you believe you qualify then you will be able to register your details once this is up and running.

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