ilkestonian
Member
I wonder if I might please call on the collective wisdom here.
Two or three weeks ago, two friends booked a West Midlands Trains journey for today, Stafford to Euston, which I think involved a change at Rugby.
They had an email either last night or early today advising that the train was cancelled because of driver shortages.
When they arrived at the station to find out their options they had to rebook dearer tickets on an Avanti West Coast service.
Now I may only have half the story, but they tell me that West Midlands are charging them a £10 cancellation fee as they attempt to get the money back for the journey that West Midlands cancelled.
First question. Should they be charging this cancellation fee when the train didn't run?
Second question. They need to be in London as they have commitments with relatives so had no option but to cough up for the dearer tickets. Can any of this difference be reclaimed from West Midlands?
The only bright spot is that their journey will now be non stop and far quicker, and they tell me they have been upgraded to first class (not sure if free or for an additional charge) but it's still been a stressful experience, so I'd be grateful for any advice on where they stand.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Two or three weeks ago, two friends booked a West Midlands Trains journey for today, Stafford to Euston, which I think involved a change at Rugby.
They had an email either last night or early today advising that the train was cancelled because of driver shortages.
When they arrived at the station to find out their options they had to rebook dearer tickets on an Avanti West Coast service.
Now I may only have half the story, but they tell me that West Midlands are charging them a £10 cancellation fee as they attempt to get the money back for the journey that West Midlands cancelled.
First question. Should they be charging this cancellation fee when the train didn't run?
Second question. They need to be in London as they have commitments with relatives so had no option but to cough up for the dearer tickets. Can any of this difference be reclaimed from West Midlands?
The only bright spot is that their journey will now be non stop and far quicker, and they tell me they have been upgraded to first class (not sure if free or for an additional charge) but it's still been a stressful experience, so I'd be grateful for any advice on where they stand.
Thanks in advance for any help.