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<p>The Department for Transport does not hold data on train cancellations and delays
to this level of detail.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>It is currently too early to make a
detailed assessment of any cost implications of the delays and cancellations since
the timetable change. What is clear is that passengers on GTR are facing totally unsatisfactory
levels of service and it is the Department’s number one priority to restore reliability
to an acceptable level as soon as possible.</p><p> </p><p>We are assessing whether
GTR met their contractual obligations in the planning and delivery of this timetable
change, and whether these issues could have been reasonably foreseen and different
action taken to prevent the high levels of disruption passengers are experiencing.
If it is found that GTR are materially in breach of their contractual obligations,
the Department will take the appropriate enforcement action against them.</p><p> </p><p>On
GTR services, passengers are encouraged to apply to their train operator for Delay
Repay compensation for affected journeys. GTR passengers can claim delay repay for
delays over 15 minutes.</p><p> </p><p>Earlier this week, the Secretary of State announced
a special compensation scheme for GTR passengers. It is to be funded by the rail industry
and will ensure regular rail customers receive appropriate redress for the disruption
they have experienced. The industry will set out more detail of the eligibility requirements
and how season ticket holders can claim.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Transport
cannot currently provide an assessment of the impact of the May 2018 timetable changes
on overcrowding at Bedford station, as performance of the new timetable has been too
unstable to allow for an accurate assessment to be made.</p><p> </p><p>The service
provided since the start of the new timetable has been unacceptable and it is the
Department’s number one priority to restore reliability on services at Bedford to
an acceptable level as soon as possible.</p>
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