MORE work needs to be done to ensure train users are not left out of pocket as negotiations over compensation continue.

Transport for the North’s board met and agreed with the Department for Transport to an initial package to compensate season ticket holders in the areas of the North that have been worst affected by rail disruption in recent weeks.

But board members also called for compensation for others who have been affected, including regular rail travellers who do not hold season tickets.

Season ticket holders in the areas worst affected by extended rail disruption are to receive compensation equivalent to the cost of four weeks’ worth of travel.

Season ticket holders in other areas affected since the timetable change on May 20 will receive compensation equivalent to the cost of one week’s worth of travel.

The board asked officers to continue work on proposals to compensate regular rail users who do not hold season tickets.

Travellers on Northern services on routes in Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester have suffered disruption over a long period of time due to delays to improve the line between Manchester and Blackpool and many cancellations and delays following the implementation of the new timetable last month.

Weekly, monthly and annual season ticket holders who held tickets for the period affected will receive a refund equivalent to the cost of four weeks’ travel.

Season ticket holders on both Northern and TransPennine Express services on the worst affected routes elsewhere in the North who have suffered disruption since the introduction of the new May timetable will receive a refund equivalent to a week’s worth of travel.

The package agreed at today’s meeting will also include a marketing campaign to promote tourist hotspots such as the Lake District and Blackpool which have been adversely affected by the rail disruption.

It is expected that the agreed compensation scheme will be implemented rapidly.

John Cridland, chairman of Transport for the North, said: “We know that the past few months have been very frustrating for many Our board has been pressing the rail industry to adequately compensate those who have suffered the most.”

“I’m delighted that we are now able to start doing this but there is still more work to be done.

“Compensation for season ticket holders will be administered directly by the train operating companies, with Northern and TransPennine Express due to announce details of how people can claim very soon.”