RAILWAY passengers will be handed financial compensation after battling turmoil caused by a month of strikes.

Industrial action by members of the RMT union in December caused widespread issues for commuters using South Western Railway (SWR).

Following feedback, the franchise's recently appointed chief said they would go "over and above" their standard delay repayment scheme to reimburse affected rail users.

SWR said that the decision had been made due to the "duration and intensity" of the strike.

The compensation scheme, which will run in two phases, will pay out the cost of rail travel for up to five days.

This will be offered to season ticket holders and daily ticket holders who travelled frequently during the strike.

Mark Hopwood, who was appointed managing director of SWR last month, said: “Since I arrived at SWR I have listened carefully to customer feedback and I believe it is right that we offer additional compensation over and above our Delay Repay scheme for the disruption caused by December’s strikes.

"While SWR worked very hard to keep people moving during the strikes, I know that our passengers often still had to cope with delays, cancellations and packed trains and the compensation reflects that.

“This compensation package will provide season ticket holders and daily ticket holders who travelled frequently during the strike with compensation to recognise the disruption they faced.”

Winchester MP Steve Brine said: “Last week, at our new All-Party Group evidence session with the leadership of South Western Railway, I raised the insufficient compensation package for my constituents affected by the train strikes. They have responded as hoped and now need to follow through with as little hassle for passengers as possible.”

As reported, transport secretary has threatened to put the franchise SWR operate in the hands of a public sector operator after financial statements for the FirstGroup and MTR-owned said it was "not sustainable in the long term".

Giving his view on the compensation scheme, Mr Shapps said: “Passengers across SWR’s extensive network had their December ruined by reckless and unnecessary strike action.

“They have understandably had enough, so we support SWR taking action to ensure people are compensated for the disruption caused to their lives.”

The two phases of the compensation scheme are as follows:

  1. SWR Season Ticket Holders for whom the business holds details will be contacted directly to arrange compensation
  2. Customers for whom SWR does not hold details, including weekly season ticket holders, will need to apply for compensation.

SWR said it will notify customers when each phase opens.