Train ticket refund loophole to be closed amid major fraud crackdown

• A significant loophole in the UK rail ticket refund system, which has allowed fraudulent claims, is set to close on 1 April.
• Currently, passengers can claim refunds for unused 'anytime' or off-peak tickets up to four weeks after the intended travel date, even if they didn't use them.
• This system has been exploited by individuals who avoid ticket checks, costing the railways an estimated £40 million annually.
• Under the new regulations, refunds for flexible tickets will only be permitted up to midnight on the day before the scheduled journey.
• Exceptions will be made for passengers experiencing on-the-day disruption or other 'exceptional circumstances', allowing them to still claim a full refund.

IN FULL

Train operators clamp down on ‘completely bonkers’ ticket fraud