SWR announces compensation package for customers affected by December strikes

Tuesday 18th February 2020


During the strike SWR did its utmost to keep passengers moving and carried over 80% of the number of passengers it normally would have done at this time of year.

However, having listened to customer feedback, and given the duration and intensity of the strike, SWR is now offering additional compensation, over and above the normal delay repay arrangements.

The cost of rail travel for up to 5 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. For more information on claiming compensation, please following the link: www.southwesternrailway.com/december-2019-strike-compensation.

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.”

Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, said:
“Passengers across SWR’s extensive network had their December ruined by reckless and unnecessary strike action.

“They have understandably had enough, so we support SWR taking action to ensure people are compensated for the disruption caused to their lives.”