How I Claimed a Delay Repay Refund after a Train Delay
In November, I took a train journey from Dorchester West to Port Talbot, Wales, hoping for a relaxing trip. Unfortunately, a cancelled connection at Westbury due to staff shortages turned my journey into a lengthy ordeal. After an hour’s wait, I rerouted through Bristol Parkway and Temple Meads before finally reaching Swansea. Frustrated but curious, I learned about the Delay Repay scheme from a fellow passenger.
What is Delay Repay?
Delay Repay is a scheme offered by many UK train operators, compensating passengers for delays or cancellations. Typically, delays over 15 minutes can qualify for a partial or full refund, depending on the delay’s length and the type of ticket. Claims must usually be made within a set timeframe, but the process is fairly straightforward.
Making My Claim
Once I reached Port Talbot, I searched the Great Western Railway website for the Delay Repay form. After finding it, the online process was simple: I uploaded a photo of my ticket and submitted the claim. Alternatively, the form can be downloaded and posted.
The Refund
I received an email confirming my claim would be processed within 20 days, and it was. Since my delay exceeded 15 minutes, I was refunded 25% of my return ticket price. The money arrived in my bank account shortly after.
While not a large sum, the refund was a welcome gesture and highlighted the importance of knowing passenger rights. If you experience delays, don’t hesitate to claim!
For easier claims, I recommend checking On-Time Trains. This site shows train performance stats and includes a Delay Repay tool that links directly to relevant claim pages on train company websites. Much more convenient!