RAIL users who travel with TransPennine Express (TPE) are now able to claim compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more.

Those who are delayed by 15 minutes or more will be able to claim back 25 per cent of their ticket price for a single ticket, 12.5 per cent of their ticket price for a return ticket and season ticket holders will also be able to claim compensation should their train be delayed.

The scheme - named delay repay 15 - was launched by TPE on February 2.

Leo Goodwin, managing director for TPE, said: “The last few months have been difficult for customers, and I am truly sorry to anyone who has experienced disruption as a result of this.

"We have been working hard to stabilise services since the start of the year and performance has improved.

“Earlier this month, we launched a compensation scheme for season ticket holders affected and I’m pleased to also launch Delay Repay 15 for our customers so that they can be reimbursed when things don’t go to plan.

“Customers who board our services expect them to run on time and when things go wrong, and they get delayed, we believe they should be appropriately compensated."

Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “TransPennine Express’ performance in recent months has been unacceptable and we understand how deeply frustrating this is for passengers.

“That’s why it’s welcome to see the introduction of delay repay 15 as part of this Government’s commitment to improving compensation, ensuring passengers get the redress they deserve when things go wrong.”

TPE run services from Carlisle to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

To make a claim for compensation, visit: www.tpexpress.co.uk