Cancelled trains will now be covered by other operators at no extra cost

Effective Sunday 20 September, rail travellers whose trains are cancelled will automatically be entitled to ride another operator’s service without paying again, according to the Department for Transport. Passengers must hold a valid ticket and can use an alternative service up to two hours before or after the cancelled departure on a reasonable route. The policy initially covers CrossCountry, GWR, Avanti West Coast and Chiltern Railways, with the rest of the network slated for public ownership next year, except for a few open-access services.

East Midlands Railway is not included immediately due to ongoing cancellation issues. Rail minister Lord Hendy called the move a simple, passenger-first reform, while Alex Robertson of Transport Focus said the key will be providing clear guidance during disruptions.