Refunds for delay-hit Merseyrail passengers 'the right call'

Passengers on Merseyrail's Kirkby line have faced a raft of delays and cancellations

An offer to refund rail passengers affected by persistent delays on the UK's first battery-powered trains was "the right call", campaigners said.

Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said the money would be returned after "teething issues" on Merseyrail's Kirkby line.

The line welcomed the £500m new trains last year but has since been plagued by disruption.

The Transport Focus campaign group said passengers will be "relieved".

"This is the right call for passengers," director David Sidebottom said.

"Passengers will want to know how they can claim refunds and that the process is clear, quick and accessible."

'Fallen short'

The Combined Authority said passengers who bought a weekly, monthly, term-time or annual ticket, in 2023 at Fazakerley, Kirkby or Headbolt Lane stations would receive letters with information about how to claim.

Mr Rotheram said: "We anticipated that we would encounter some teething issues and disruption during the delivery of our new station and trains.

"But I'll be the first to say that services on the Kirkby line have fallen short of the standards that our passengers deserve.

"While I cannot undo the disruption that passengers have already faced, I hope this gesture demonstrates our appreciation for their patience and understanding."

Further announcements are planned to recognise non-Railpass holders whose journeys have been affected and more details will be provided as soon as possible, the Combined Authority said.