The government has announced that it will provide cash refunds for domestic rail and coach tickets purchased for journeys between December 23 and 27. The refunds will apply to tickets bought before the change in regulations that were announced on Saturday 19 December.
This will apply to journeys in England booked on or after November 24, when the Christmas travel window was announced.
The government said it recognises that many people will have booked their coach and rail tickets in advance based on previous government advice, and is seeking to ensure that people are not penalised for following the new rules.
Operators will be able to issue refunds immediately and passengers should check the website of their operator for how to claim. People are being urged to be patient as rail and coach operators will be processing high volumes of refunds over the coming weeks.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “It is imperative that we all follow the new measures and play our part in tackling this virus, protecting others and safeguarding our NHS.
“If you booked a coach or rail journey between 23 and 27 December, you are entitled to a cash refund. This ensures no one is left out of pocket for doing the right thing – staying home in tier 4, and elsewhere staying local and only meeting your Christmas bubble on Christmas day.”
