Rail passengers in the UK could soon find it easier to claim compensation for delays, while new measures are introduced to reduce ticket fraud linked to discounted fares.
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Under proposals outlined by the Department for Transport, travellers using railcards will face additional verification checks as part of a trial set to begin in April. Officials say the move is designed to prevent misuse of discounted tickets while also reducing the risk of passengers being wrongly penalised.
New checks for discounted tickets
The trial will require railcard users to complete a simple verification step when purchasing tickets, whether online, via machines or at ticket offices. Once verified, customers will automatically receive the correct discount.
The government says the system could save up to £20 million annually by limiting fraudulent use of railcards. It also aims to protect passengers who may unintentionally select the wrong ticket, an issue that has previously led to enforcement action.
The initiative follows a review by the Office of Rail and Road, which found that while operators had strengthened efforts to combat fare evasion, safeguards for passengers had not kept pace. The regulator highlighted that complex ticketing rules often left travellers confused, sometimes resulting in penalties for honest mistakes.
Trials of the new verification process are expected to take place on selected networks, including services run by Greater Anglia and c2c Rail.
Easier compensation claims
Separately, the government is planning reforms to the Delay Repay system, which compensates passengers for late or cancelled trains. Currently, travellers must submit claims directly to the train operator responsible for their journey.
Under the proposed changes, passengers will instead be able to claim compensation from the retailer that sold them the ticket. This would include third-party platforms such as Trainline.
Officials say the existing system can be confusing, particularly when journeys involve multiple operators. Allowing claims through the original ticket seller is intended to simplify the process and improve access to compensation.
The changes are expected to be implemented once the new state-backed body, Great British Railways, becomes operational.
Balancing enforcement and passenger protection
The reforms come amid broader concerns about fare evasion and how it is handled. The ORR review noted that stricter enforcement had not always been matched by clear communication, leaving some passengers unaware of ticket conditions.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the measures would both streamline compensation claims and ensure public funds are better protected.
She added that reducing fraud would allow more investment in keeping fares stable and improving rail infrastructure, rather than losing revenue through misuse of the system.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 March 2026