Nick Brown
8 Jan 2021·4 min read
It’s very frustrating, we know, but sometimes trains do get cancelled. It’s worth noting that there are three types of cancellation:
- A timetable cancellation, where the train is removed from the timetable before the day of travel,
- A service cancellation, where the train is still in the timetable but doesn’t actually run, and
- A partial cancellation, where the train still runs but doesn’t call at all stations.
Timetable cancellations are often the hardest to deal with and understand. You’ve bought your ticket and you turn up at the station on time, to discover that the train isn’t shown on the departure board. You ask a member of staff and it’s likely they’ll say that the train doesn’t exist. Sometimes they’ll even say that your itinerary or tickets are even invalid!
Don’t worry, though, they’re not invalid. If a train is cancelled (and that’s what’s happened here) you’re entitled to take the next train that matches any restrictions on your ticket. So if your ticket is routed via a certain place, you must go that way, or if it’s only valid on a certain train company, you must use that companies services. If you’re delayed getting to your final destination, you will probably be entitled to compensation as well.
The good news is that TrainSplit knows in advance if there’s been a timetable cancellation for your journey and we’ll send you an email if this happens, clarifying what’s gone wrong and what your options are.
If there’s been a service cancellation, it will show up on the departure boards and staff will know about it. In this case, you will almost certainly be directed to take the next train. Don’t worry if you miss a following connection, you’re covered all the way to your destination because of the cancellation (this also works for delays). You don't need to hold a single 'through' ticket to benefit from this protection, you'll be entitled to take the next trains if you hold a set of split tickets in exactly the same way.
Partial cancellations are the most annoying, in my opinion. I used to commute daily between Bromsgrove and Hereford and trains would frequently be terminated at Ledbury Station (pictured). There was a good operational reason for this, using the single line to Hereford would cause delays to other services and the return service to Birmingham would get further delayed. As most passengers tended to use the train between Worcester and Birmingham, it would inconvenience far more people than the few who wanted to get to Hereford.
However, I can’t tell you how frustrating it was to be told that the train was turning around at Ledbury and that we would be stuck there for (usually) an hour. There are essentially no facilities at Ledbury other than a bus shelter and it’s a 15 minute walk into the town.
In these circ*mstances, there’s nothing more that you can do that to “grin and bear it”. If you’re lucky, you’ll alight at a station with a reasonable onwards service, and staff will know that you’re allowed to take an onward train. If you’re unlucky, you’ll find yourself at an unmanned halt, with facilities, in the pouring rain and with an hour’s wait. Just take some consolation in the fact that you’ll be able to claim delay repay that could be equal to the total amount you paid – quite a nice windfall if you’re on a long, expensive journey.
Kudos to West Midlands Trains (now operating the route) for not doing this any more, by the way!
Sometimes there can be severe disruption to the network. In this case, the industry will start “ticket acceptance”. When this happens, your ticket will be valid on any train on any reasonable route to get you to your destination. But remember that you can still claim compensation for being delayed. Staff will tell you if ticket acceptance is in place.
Finally, you may be asking what happens if you miss the last connection of the day to your destination? This is called “stranding” and there’s very specific procedures in place to deal with it. It’s covered by the National Rail Conditions of Travel Section 28:
28.2. Where disruption prevents you from completing the journey for which your Ticket is valid and is being used, any Train Company will, where it reasonably can, provide you with alternative means of travel to your destination, or if necessary, provide overnight accommodation for you.
FAQs
If a train is cancelled (and that's what's happened here) you're entitled to take the next train that matches any restrictions on your ticket. So if your ticket is routed via a certain place, you must go that way, or if it's only valid on a certain train company, you must use that companies services.
What should I do if train is partially Cancelled? ›
In case of partial train cancellation, train diverted, train short terminated etc., TDR is required to be filed online up to Seventy Two Hours of the Scheduled Departure of the Train at Passenger's Boarding Station.
What are the rules if your train is Cancelled? ›
You're entitled to a full refund if your train was cancelled and you couldn't take the next train or decided not to travel. If you didn't use your ticket, you can get a refund without any fees - it doesn't matter what type of ticket you bought.
What happens when my train gets cancelled? ›
If your train is cancelled due to accidents, breaches or floods and any other reason, you will be refunded the full fare paid by you.
Can I get another train if my train is cancelled? ›
There is nothing stopping you from catching a different train if your service is cancelled.
How do I get home if my train is Cancelled? ›
We know this is frustrating and can be confusing but if your train has been cancelled, either in advance or on the day, you can either travel on the next available service using your existing ticket or get a refund from your original point of sale.
What to do when all trains are cancelled? ›
If you have an advance ticket
If your train is cancelled, you can jump on the next one operated by the same company. There's no need to ask permission first. Train companies may also agree to accept each other's tickets, meaning that you can travel with a different company. If this happens, staff will let you know.
What is the law for train cancellation? ›
Cancellation charges are per passenger. If a confirmed ticket is cancelled within 48 hrs and up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, cancellation charges shall be 25% of the fare subject to the minimum flat rate mentioned in the above clause.
How to claim for train disruption? ›
Claims can be made online, or by post using a form that you can download from a train company website or get from a staffed station.
Can I get on another train if I miss mine? ›
Just hop on the next train, so long as your ticket doesn't have any restrictions on which company you can use. In this case, you might need to stick to the operator on the ticket. If you have an Advance ticket, you can get the next train operated by the same company that's specified on your ticket.
To issue prompt refunds
If Amtrak makes a schedule change, an equipment substitution, or cancelation and the new fare is lower, credit card purchases will automatically be refunded. If you paid with an eVoucher, gift card, check, or cash, an eVoucher would be issued for the refunded amount.
What causes trains to be Cancelled? ›
Infrastructure issues
broken or buckled rails. landslips. damage to overhead line equipment. points failure.
How do I get a refund if I missed my train? ›
You may get refund from railways by filing TDR (ticket deposit receipt) as per extant rules citing reasons for not travelling. Since chart has been prepared you can't cancel the ticket, you can only file TDR within one hour after departure of the train from charting station.
What if my train is partially cancelled? ›
If you get notified of partial cancellation before the journey date and if you cancel the train before the chart is prepared, you will get full refund.
What happens if a pre-booked train is cancelled? ›
Your ticket is refundable (with no admin fee) if the service you planned to travel on is delayed or cancelled, and you choose not to travel. If you choose to travel on a different day, not covered by your original ticket, there is no admin fee to get a refund and rebook your ticket.
Can I take an alternative route if my train is cancelled? ›
You should be able to get a later train or take an alternative route. If you take an alternative route check with train staff before you travel.
What happens if my train is Cancelled mid journey? ›
If you can't take the next train or decide not to travel, you'll be entitled to a refund. If you are making a return journey and only one leg of your journey is affected, we can offer a fee-free refund or change of journey for both legs of your trip.
Is partial cancellation of train ticket allowed? ›
Partial cancellation of Tatkal e-tickets is allowed . Cancellation of e-tickets in case of trains cancelled: If the train is marked as "CANCELLED" in PRS due to breaches, floods, accidents etc. full refund is permissible in case the ticket is cancelled within three days of the scheduled departure of the train.
What do I do if my train is Cancelled due to strike? ›
If you have purchased a ticket and your train has been cancelled, delayed or rescheduled due to strike action then you will be entitled to a refund or change of journey.
What happens to my ticket if the train is diverted? ›
IRCTC Refund Rules for Diverted Trains. If your train is diverted from its specified route and you don't want to travel via the new route, you can get a full refund of your ticket fare. For this, you must file a TDR up to 72 hours of the train's departure schedule from the station where you are supposed to board.
