What are your rights in the event of a rail strike?
A national rail strike by members of the RMT and TSSA trade union is set to take place on Monday and Tuesday - so what are your rights if your travel is disrupted?
National Rail has issued the following guidance for ticket holders.
Anytime, Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak tickets
If you already have a valid ticket valid for travel on either the Monday 25th or Tuesday 26th May you will be able to use your ticket for travel on Sunday 24th May or Wednesday 27th May, subject to any travel restrictions that would normally apply to your ticket on those days.
Advance Purchase tickets
If you have a ticket for travel on Monday 25th or Tuesday 26th May, you will also be able to travel on either Sunday 24th May or Wednesday 27th May. However, if you travel on either of these two, alternative days, you must use the same train service that you would have used on the 25th or 26th May, or the services immediately before or after this service.
Some train companies will be putting in place additional local ticketing arrangements, so travellers are advised to check with their train company before travelling.
Refunds and Exchanges
If you already have a ticket valid for travel on any of the days affected by the planned industrial action and no longer wish to travel, the retailer that sold you your ticket will provide you with a full refund.
Alternatively you can exchange your ticket for another (subject to paying any difference in price).
Compensation
If you have a Season Ticket you will be entitled to compensation. As these arrangements vary by train company, travellers are advised to check with their train companies to find out what level of compensation they will be entitled to.
Check the Transport Focus website for links to individual train companies' Passengers' Charter information.
If you are dissatisfied with the way a train company deals with your claim for compensation you can complain:
Outside London complain to Transport Focus
Inside London complain to London TravelWatch.
For further information about your rights when travelling by train, refer to National Rail Conditions of Carriage