Passengers affected by the December strikes that were carried out by Southwestern Railway (SWR) can now claim compensation.

During the strikes SWR said that it did it's utmost best to keep passengers moving and that it successfully carried 80 per cent more passengers that it would have during December.

However, SWR are also aware of the frustration that the strikes have had on residents and say that after listening to customer feedback - as well as the given duration and intensity of the strike, there is now and additional offering of compensation for customers to claim.

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of South Western Railway, said:“Since I arrived at SWR I have listened carefully to customer feedback and I believe it is right that we offer additional compensation over and above our Delay Repay scheme for the disruption caused by December’s strikes.

"Whilst SWR worked very hard to keep people moving during the strikes, I know that our passengers often still had to cope with delays, cancellations and packed trains and the compensation reflects that.

“This compensation package will provide season ticket holders and daily ticket holders who travelled frequently during the strike with compensation to recognise the disruption they faced.”

The cost of rail travel for up to five days will be paid as compensation and will be offered to season ticket holders and daily ticket holders who travelled frequently during the strike.

The compensation scheme will run in two phases:

  • Phase 1: SWR season ticket holders for whom the business holds details will be contacted directly to arrange compensation
  • Phase 2: customers for whom SWR doesn’t hold details, including weekly season ticket holders, will need to apply for compensation

SWR will notify customers when each phase opens.

Visit the SWR website for further information and to find out how you can claim.