Train delayed? Get your money back

Too few of us pursue compensation for train delays. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains how to get some cash back.

Crowds at Brighton Station after long delays © Alamy

Don't just get cross get cash
(Image credit: Crowds at Brighton Station after long delays © Alamy)

Whether the weather is too hot, too cold, too wet, or too windy, there is always an excuse for train delays. Last week soaring temperatures were blamed for warped rails and sagging cables that caused delays and cancellations nationwide. Yet few will have bothered to seek compensation. A report by Transport Focus has revealed that just 35% of us use the Delay Repay system to claim a refund when our train is delayed.

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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.