claiming expenses from train companies

[el_scott0r]

could anyone advise with the following, to see if it's worth the fuss?

 

i've just had the day from hell trying to get home to wakefield from york, got the 15:44 train home, and after a variety of mishaps / cancelled trains / signal faults etc trundled into leeds at 19:30 with no prospect of a connection to wakefield, so ended up getting a taxi home

 

the customer service person on the train suggested that i keep my receipts and write to the train company to attempt to get some compensation...does anyone know if they will even entertrain something like that or if its worth it?

 

i've spent a small fortune getting home on top of the train tickets so getting something back would be awesome

 

any help is greatly appreciated!

[BankFodder]

you should be able to get all of your last expenses returned to you plus something for the delay and inconvenience.

 

Put your complaint in writing. There may be a complaint form on their website. Keep copies of everything. Don't let original receipts out of your sight. Send copies only. Keep a good note of the amount you spend on making your claim and any time spent on that as well.

Warning: most when companies try to get away with giving you travel vouchers. If this is okay by you then settle for travel vouchers for an easy life. If this is not okay, then stick to your guns and eventually you will get the money. However, they will be trying to tell you that "sorry it's company policy. We only give travel vouchers." This information from them would be wrong and they would be acting unlawfully in depriving you of your consumer rights.

 

Firstly when you let us know which company it is? And secondly keep us informed of how it goes.

[Grotesque]

Yes, ditto to Brother BankFodder.

 

Interestingly, this also is a matter of train tickets, although ironically from the opposite point-of-view as most threads in the Transport Forum.

 

See, the train ticket you possessed for your journey (York > Wakefield?) is a contract between you and the Train Operating Company (TOC)- ie, you agree to pay a certain sum and agree unreservedly to adhere to all laws, regulations, and conditions, and in exchange the TOC guarantees to transport you from A-B via any means available to them.

 

SO AS LONG AS YOU HELD A VALID TICKET FOR THAT COMPLETE JOURNEY, the TOC failed in their responsibility of transportinng you or enabling you to travel from Leeds to W'field. So they are liable to pay for that portion of the journey. Although, probably only as far as W'field station, so if you live in Sandal Castle from the station to there would be your own liability (as, obviously the TOC doesn't 'escort' you home, does it!!! lol).

 

On a separate line, you should ALSO get some form of compensation for the actual delays whilst you were travelling (they shoud have some sort of 'Delay / Repay' scheme).

 

As BF has said, it's up to you whether you settle for vouchers or fight for cash; vouchers are handy if you make regular journeys, as you could consider them 'free' tickets; BUT bear in mind the old 'No Change Given' clause... so DON'T pay for a £5.40 ticket with a £20 Voucher, because that'll be £14.60 down the Swanney and into the TOC's good ole sky-rocket!!!

 

Good luck!