Strike - hotel

gymguy2017

Hi there. I booked an off peak return train ticket. I am due to return on Friday (now a strike day with no services). I will therefore need to pay for a hotel and travel back home on Saturday. Will I be able to claim compensation for the hotel expense incurred or even get some contribution from the delay delay scheme given that my arrival into the destination will be delayed into the next day? Thanks

The_Unready

This is what GWR has to say about their Delay Repay scheme (other train operating companies may have different rules):

"Delay Repay only compensates for delays. What we pay will be based on the cost of your ticket.

If you think you are entitled to more, we will need details of your journey, a copy of your ticket, and proof of the extra costs you paid."

So, the answer is probably "it depends".

p00hsticks

The_Unready said:

So, the answer is probably "it depends".

I'd disagree -  think the answer is almost certainly 'no'. 

While rail companies do sometimes pay to put people up in hotels or for late night taxis to get them home in cases of last minute cancellations or breakdowns of the last timetabled trains of the day, I don't believe they'll do so now in situations where strikes (or other events) cause them to alter the timetables several days in advance.

When a strike happens, my understanding is that you are entitled to a refund on the ticket or to travel on a day/time other than that mentioned on the ticket, but not to any consequential loss such as the need to use hotels or taxis as alternatives. 

daveyjp

No delay repay as the companies have until 10pm the evening before the services to set the timetable.  If a service is cancelled it can't be delayed, a strike is a cancellation.

No to the hotel.  Other forms of transport are available or cancel and get a refund on rail and hotel stay.

p00hsticks

From the horses mouth
Industrial Action | National Rail

Will you refund my taxi or hotel bills if my service is affected by strike action ?

While we cannot refund taxi or hotel bills, if you decide to travel during a strike period and your chosen train is affected, you may be able to use your ticket on another train company or by an alternative route. Where disruption prevents you from completing the journey for which your Ticket is valid and is being used, any train company will, where it reasonably can, provide you with alternative means of travel to your destination, or if necessary, provide overnight accommodation for you.

If you choose not to travel because your service has been cancelled, delayed or rescheduled you will be entitled to a refund.

If you choose to travel and are delayed on your journey, you will be able to claim compensation if the delay meets the Delay Repay threshold.​​​​​​​