THE train operators on the delay-hit York to Scarborough line has launched an additional compensation scheme for its season ticket holders.

TransPennine Express (TPE) said it is offering compensation to a number of customers across certain routes as a result of disruption caused by the troubled May timetable change.

The scheme, which went live on Monday, has been developed between the Department for Transport and Transport for the North. The company is offering a week’s compensation to customers whose journeys were disrupted between May 20 and June 30, 2018. Season ticket holders that travel on specific routes, as well as multi-modal and zonal ticket holders, are eligible for compensation.

Customers will be required to provide evidence of one week of travel during the qualifying period.

Adam Fairclough, head of customer experience for TPE, said: “Following the introduction of a new timetable in May, customers on certain parts of our network have experienced delays and cancellations and we are truly sorry for the disruption this has caused. Those eligible for compensation can now apply for a refund on their travel online via our website.”

At Malton station on Monday evening, season-ticket holder Sarah Corner said she lost out £110 on a course she couldn’t get to after her train was cancelled - and she has heard of people missing flights and holidays due to the disruption. She recently started working at York St John University and can miss out on pay if she is late.

She said: “Commuting is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I’ve heard some of the delays have been caused by not having drivers and that’s not right - they need to have contingency plans in place.”

Another season-ticket holder, Hannah Fawcett, said that there were issues - particularly on early trains - even before the timetable change. “It’s always been quite delayed on this route. There’s a lot of people who commute from York to Scarborough with the hospital. The 7.40am from York is always delayed - I’ve got used to that though.”

Another season ticket holder who lives in Scarborough but didn’t wish to be named, added: “There have been times I’ve had to wait an hour because they’ve cancelled the trains. I try not to be too cross with TransPennine though as a lot of it isn’t their fault - there’s problems on the lines further west.”

To make a claim, go to tpexpress.co.uk/maycompensation. Customers have until October 1 to make a claim.