UK passengers with cancelled trains will now be able to use services on a different operator

Published on 16/09/2026 - 12:30 GMT+2

Seeing your train has been cancelled is infuriating, but even more so when you’re in the UK.

Under the current system, passengers face lengthy waits as many tickets aren’t accepted on similar services being run by different operators.

But that’s all about to change from this Sunday, 20 September, as you will now be able to use your ticket on another participating operator’s train.

The original ticket will be valid for use on trains departing within two hours before or after the cancelled service “using a direct or reasonable alternative route”.

You won’t need to download a new ticket – simply show it to the inspectors on board and it will be accepted.

“When passengers are delayed, they just want to get where they need to be, not worry about whether their ticket will be accepted on another train,” Alex Robertson, chief executive of independent watchdog Transport Focus, said.

“This is a welcome change that we have long called for and should make it easier for people when services are cancelled.

“The key now is making sure passengers get clear information about their options whenever disruption occurs.”

Cross-operator ticket acceptance was already in place across all publicly-owned operators, but from Sunday it will be expanded to also include Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry and Great Western Railway. East Midlands Railway will also join the scheme at a later date.