​Southern urges passengers to check if they are entitled to compensation

Train operator Southern is asking passengers who had season tickets last year to check if they may be eligible for compensation, under a scheme launched by the Department of Transport.

The one-off scheme, announced last December by the Government solely for Southern’s passengers, recognises the severe disruption on the Southern network during 2016 and offers season ticket holders compensation equivalent to a month's travel. To qualify, Southern customers must have held at least 12 weeks’ worth of season tickets between 1 April and 31 December 2016. Passengers are being advised to check online at www.southernrailway.com/2016compensation, where they will be asked to provide evidence to support their claim.

After contacting customers who are known to be eligible for compensation, the company is now appealing to anyone who has not been contacted and believes they may be entitled to compensation to get in touch.

Southern’s Passenger Services Director, Angie Doll, said: "We have spent the last few weeks contacting all the passengers who we know qualify and have details for. We’re now inviting anyone we have missed or who believes they may be entitled to compensation to come forward and claim."

"Last year was very difficult for Southern passengers and I am glad this scheme recognises this. I would urge season ticket holders to go online and claim if they believe they are eligible for compensation."

The compensation scheme will close on 30 April 2017.