New refund rules coming for UK train tickets in weeks

From April, certain train tickets will now only be refundable up to 11.59pm on the day before they become valid for travel.

The move is in a bid to end travellers abusing refunds, which estimates costs around £40 million each year according to industry analysts.

Passengers abuse refunds by claiming on tickets that have been used but not scanned or endorsed, where a customer falsely states that they did not travel.

New refund rules coming for UK train tickets in weeks

From April 1, the tickets no longer eligible for refunds after 11.59pm the day before travel are:

• Anytime
• Off-Peak
• Day Travelcards
• Most Ranger and Rover tickets

Advance tickets and Season Tickets are not affected by the change.  

Rail bosses have also said that refunds will still be available for disrupted or cancelled services and, in certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies. 

They also said that many passengers will not be affected by the changes as most only seek refunds before travel or due to “genuine disruption”. 

Rail tickets that are purchased on or before March 31 will be refundable under the terms of the current rules.

These allow ticket holders to get refunds of up to 28 days after the day of travel, if the ticket has not been used.

How to claim a refund or compensation on train tickets

As explained on the National Rail website, you may be entitled to a full refund or compensation if your train journey is delayed or cancelled.

Refunds can be issued if you do not use your ticket due to delays or cancellations.

This can be done through the train company you purchased with, or, if you purchased from self-service vending machines at a station, this should provide information on how to refund a ticket.

Compensation may be requested if you are travelling and arrive late due to a cancelled or delayed train service.

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National Rail states that compensation may depend on:

• Which train company you travelled with
• The type of ticket you have
• The length of the delay in arriving at your destination

Compensation claims can be made online or by post using a form that you can download from a train company website or get from a staffed station.

What do you think about the new refund rules? Let us know in the comments.