Plans for Great British Railways aim to deliver a simpler, fairer experience for rail passengers, with faster compensation for delays and tougher action on fare evasion.

Under proposed reforms, passengers would be able to claim Delay Repay compensation directly from the retailer they purchased their ticket from. This means passengers who buy tickets through platforms such as Trainline will be able to submit claims there, instead of navigating multiple train company systems.

At present, passengers must deal with a complicated process involving 14 separate operators. The government says bringing compensation together under a single service run by Great British Railways will make the system quicker, clearer and far easier to use.

The changes also follow recommendations from the Office of Rail and Road aimed at tackling fare evasion. Officials estimate fare-dodging costs taxpayers at least £350 million every year, money that could otherwise be invested in improving the rail network.

There will be new measures to tackle fare dodging, for example, trials to ensure railcards are used correctly, and from April, unused tickets can only be refunded up to 23:59 on the day the ticket is valid for.

New rules will tighten refund policies and introduce trials to ensure Railcards are used correctly, potentially saving tens of millions annually.

Ministers say the reforms form part of wider efforts to rebuild trust in Britain’s railways and put passengers at the centre of a modernised network.

 “Using the railway will be simpler and more reliable under Great British Railways. When services are delayed, passengers should be able to easily claim the compensation they’re owed. 

“Making compensation easier when you need it is a win for passengers. Wherever you buy your ticket, the focus must be on getting more people to choose rail. These future changes to Delay Repay have real potential to support that ambition and will be welcomed by millions.”

Jody Ford, CEO of Trainline.

“These necessary changes will ensure people can claim Delay Repay compensation more quickly and the industry can invest taxpayers’ money in the things that really matter for passengers; freezing fares and delivering train and station upgrades, rather than losing out to fare dodgers and fraud.”

Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary.