South Western Railway train strikes – how to claim compensation
TRAIN strikes on the South Western Railway are causing misery for thousands of commuters this week due to a long-running dispute between the company and its workers.
Due to the strikes, trains are being cancelled or delayed and a bus replacement service is operating in some areas.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) walked out today after South Western Railway refused to place a guard on each train.
Industrial action was called off in February when a resolution seemed near but the union has now renewed strikes after accusing the company of dragging its heels.
Luckily, commuters who are affected are still able to claim compensation for delays and cancellations, even if they're caused by strikes.
If you've decided not to travel because of the disruption or you didn't make it to your final destination, you may also be eligible for a refund.
How to claim compensation if you decide to travel
Commuters who want to claim money back for delayed or cancelled trains should use the Delay Repay scheme.
It is an initiative that ensures passengers whose rail trips are delayed by at least 15 minutes can claim money back.
It's available to customers even during strikes, although the delays are then checked against the operator's amended timetable.
You can also claim if you’ve missed your connection to other National Rail services because of a delay or cancellation one of South Western's trains.
There are three ways to apply for Delay Repay with South Western Railways. You could either:
- Fill in an
- or collect one from staffed stations, and send it to the train company
- If you're a smartcard season ticket holder, you can sign up for
To get compensated, you'll need to apply within 28 days of your delay and provide proof of travel and some details about your journey.
South Western Railway will then process your claim within 20 working days.
The amount you can get depends on how badly affected you were.
Those delayed by 15 to 29 minutes are entitled to 25 per cent of the cost of a single journey or 25 per cent of the value of one journey on your season ticket.
You'll only get 12.5 per cent back on return fares.
Those hit with delays of 30 to 59 minutes will be reimbursed half the cost of a single fare and the value of one season ticket journey, and only 25 per cent on a return ticket.
Most read in money
Anyone suffering more than an hour will be repaid the cost of their entire single journey or season ticket trip, or 50 per cent of their return fare.
If you've been delayed by two hours or more, you'll be reimbursed the full cost for single and return fares as well as the value of one season ticket journey.
You can choose to receive the cash repaid to you via bank transfer, credit or debit card or national rail vouchers.
How to get a refund if you decide not to travel
If you've decided not to travel at all due to the disruption, or if you weren't able to make it to your destination, then you should apply for a refund of your ticket.
Just be aware that some tickets, such as advance fares, may not be eligible for a refund as apply to the sale of these fares.
To get a refund, you must apply within 28 days of the ticket expiry.
The amount refunded will take into account any use you’ve had from your ticket, so it'll vary from case to case.
Keep in mind South Western Railway may also charge an administration fee of £10 per refund request.
For more information and to apply, visit .
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at [email protected]