Rail Operators, Delay Repay and Amended COVID Timetables

FatboyUK69

Dear All,

I booked a Great Western Railway service via their website on 20th June for a service on 2nd July. Arrived day in question in plenty of time, to find service didn't exist, and according to staff "hasn't operated for ages". Had to wait until next service, and with connection elsewhere, arrived 45 minutes late to my destination. Claimed via Delay Repay, expecting 50% compensation based on the timings, but have been denied twice.

GWR's denying my claim as my service was pre-cancelled due to an amended COVID timetable. A COVID timetable that was active at the time I made my booking, and based on historical data I have found, operated 5 days out of 7 in the week I travelled.

Are rail operators still under the obligations of Delay Repay during this time, when operating amended timetables etc. I am next heading to the Rail Ombudsman based on the lack of any further communication from GWR and feel they are trying to have me over.

Many Thanks

[Deleted User]

Not sure where you were travelling to or from but you got there...woohoo.   Not sure I would even entertain the thought of pursuing a refund in these circumstances, what is 45 mins late in the grand scale of things?     Sorry if not the answer you are looking for.   Times are hard for us all and we have to be a little bit more flexible and understanding surely?

lisyloo

In future I would check before you travel.
gwr have been pretty flexible about using advance tickets for an earlier train (although the rules strictly state you should get the next service).