Southern commuters hit by train drivers' overtime ban can claim for 15+ minute delays against original timetable

About one in four trains have been cancelled since the overtime ban, put in place by union ASLEF, began yesterday – so delays are much more likely.

And while there's no date for when ASLEF's industrial action will end, Southern hopes to run more trains from Monday.

The train firm has confirmed passengers will be able to claim compensation against either the original timetable or the revised 'overtime ban' timetable for delays of 15 minutes or more. See our Train Delays guide for full details.

Separately, a further bout of industrial action has been proposed by the RMT union for 24 hours from 00.01 on Monday 10 July, but it's not yet clear what impact this will have on services.

How much can I claim?

Southern operates the Delay Repay compensation scheme, meaning it pays out for delays of 15 minutes or more – regardless of what caused the delay. Here's what you can claim:

• 15-29 minutes – 25% of the single fare or 12.5% of the return

• 30-59 minutes – 50% of the single fare or 25% of the return

• 60-119 minutes – 100% of the single fare or 50% of the return

• 120+ minutes – 100% of the single or return fare

Compensation for season ticket holders is worked out as a percentage of their ticket, eg, a single fare would be calculated as their annual fare divided by 464.

Anyone who has bought a ticket (other than season ticket holders) can instead ask for a refund if they no longer want to travel during the overtime ban.

Passengers can claim compensation against either the original timetable or the revised timetable

How do I claim?

You can choose to claim against the original timetable or the revised overtime ban timetable, eg, if you usually catch the 6.42am train from Glynde, in East Sussex, into London, but the revised service means you arrive at 8.34am instead of 8.17am, when the usual train would have arrived, you'd be able to claim against the original timetable.

A Southern spokesperson said passengers should try to note on their claim form whether they're claiming against the original or revised timetable. Here's how to claim:

1. Make a note of the length of your delay. If you're struggling to remember you can double-check on the Recent Train Times website.

2. Apply via Southern's Delay Repay form or you can apply by post.

3. Choose whether you want the compensation as a cash transfer, cheque or rail voucher.

4. Ensure you apply within 28 days of the delay.

Passengers can check travel information on the Southern website.