What to do if you get stuck on a train

When it comes to train travel in Britain, most of us are quick to note the awful service and poor value on offer, notes Ruth Jackson. But most of us don’t actually do anything about it. Here's how to claim compensation from your rail operator.

When it comes to train travel in Britain, most of us are quick to note the awful service and poor value on offer. But most of us don't actually do anything about it. It's time we did.

You may not know that most train companies have compensation schemes in place. These allow you to claim refunds if your train is late or you don't get your reserved seat. For example, this weekend I spent five hours standing on an overcrowded train on a journey that should have taken two hours. Throughout the journey the guard kept apologising over the tannoy for the terrible conditions, but at no point did he mention that everyone on that train was entitled to a full refund. I suspect that there is a vow of silence among train company staff when it comes to compensation schemes. So here's what you need to know.

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Ruth Jackson-Kirby

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.