Do you think when trains are late, you should get a % refund?

Question

At the end of the day if you pay for most services and you are unhappy you get part or total refunds so why not with trains!!

Answer 1

No, you shouldnt.

By taking the train, you accept that it may get you to your destination late. Just as if you were taking your car, or a plane. Do you get a refund when a traffic jam makes you late to work?

Usually when a train is late, it is out of thier control. Amtrak doesnt own most of the track they run on, they are running over other railroad's tracks. If that railroad has a derailment or a traffic jam, that isnt Amtraks' fault.

Answer 2

You should, like a pizza, if it is not there in 30 minutes it is free :)

Answer 3

yes - but since their deifinition of late is not the same as anyone elses - ie a train is not late if it is less than 15 minutes late (this is still on time) and it is not late if it is more than an hour late (this would distort the figures) and the can cancel a whole day from the records if a lot of trains are late (as again this would effect the figures) and you can not claim for a refund if the train is less than an hour late (which can not happen - see above).

Answer 4

No, when trains are late, you should plan on being there a little earlier.  Unfortunately, the only trains that run on time are in Switzerland, so unless you want to live in the Alps, train delays are a reality we all deal with.  I live in Manhattan and take the Subway to work every morning.  Depending upon delays, that means it could take me anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour and 10 minutes to get to the same station (Although that would be an extreme delay).  I allow myself about 50 to 60 minutes travel time including my time to get to my subway station, and I am never late unless the train is completely stopped or is delayed for more than a half hour.  If getting up earlier is too hard, try going to bed earlier.  I know it sounds crass, but what else can we do>?

Answer 5

We're not told this and I only recently found out but you can claim your money back. I remember hearing about this on the radio once and they were criticising the fact that train companies don't advertise (or simply inform passengers) that you can get a percentage refund if there are delays! Lookie here: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your...  Happy claiming!

Answer 6

You can. They are a service, and they have to provide it. If you're unhappy, you have rights under The Sale of Goods Act 1979.

Answer 7

if they are more than 10min late than yes, we got places to be & things to do, appointments & stuff. being late can be a big problem

Answer 8

Its different then saying i am bringing back a TV b/c i am not satisfied for the picture. Train abductors don't  wake up every day and say i am going to be late today so i will end up giving a refund to everyone who is taking the train. Things happen day after day with the train tracks. I am sorry but its tottally different.

Answer 9

Wow that makes sense!

It would never happen! We can't just have things making sense now, can we?

Answer 10

If your carefully read your ticket, you will probably see something to the effect that being late, unless caused by THAT train, is tough luck.

Should a train reimbuse you for being late because a freight train on the same track ahead of it had a problem?  Or that the tracks had a problem (like being washed out, blocked, etc)

Like airlines, the only contractural promise that is being made, is getting you to your destination safely.