Compensation for Northern Rail passengers hit by timetable changes

Some rail season ticket holders in the North will be entitled to compensation worth up to the cost of four weeks' travel - after the chaos they've faced following the introduction of new timetables.

Travellers on Northern services on routes in Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester have suffered disruption for months due to delays to improve the line between Manchester and Blackpool.

Hundreds of trains have also been cancelled following after a new timetable was brought in on May 20.

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The region's transport body, Transport for the North (TfN), announced the framework of an initial package to compensate season ticket holders, agreed with the Department for Transport.

Weekly, monthly and annual pass holders who held tickets in the areas worst affected will receive a refund equivalent to the cost of four weeks' travel.

Season ticket holders in others areas affected since May 20 will receive a payment worth one week's travel.

The scheme will be implemented "rapidly", TfN said.

Proposals for compensation measures for passengers who do not hold season tickets are being developed.

Rail Minister Jo Johnson agreed that the disruption had been "unacceptable" - and many are still not getting the service they expect, despite improvements.

"We are doing everything we can alongside Transport for the North and Northern to improve the service, but it is absolutely right that passengers should be compensated for the disruption they have suffered.