Commuters to get £1m from train company

The train operator with one of the worst records for overcrowding and delays is to offer £1m in compensation to passengers after weeks of "unacceptable" services.

Thameslink, which runs services through the centre of London to the Home Counties, said yesterday it wanted to make up for delays caused by bad weather and overdue maintenance work.

The payments, which the company said would average £60 per customer, are an attempt to pacify commuters on the congested rail routes. The company has the second worst punctuality rate in Britain, with 18 per cent of its services running late, and has been condemned by rail watchdogs for its overcrowded trains.

Thameslink said the situation had been exacerbated by damage to the power lines and track caused by storms earlier this month, as well as engineering works. Mark Causebrook, the operator's director and general manager, said: "We make no excuses for the poor performance, but the fact is that no one can operate an efficient service when the route is constantly disrupted."

Passengers will receive details of compensation in letters to be handed out at stations.