Many train passengers are confused or unaware about their rights to claim compensation.

This is according to the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), which has published its latest report. It found that three-quarters of those surveyed did not know they had the ability to make such a request, while a further seven in ten respondents had not asked for recompense, despite knowing they would be entitled to it.

Operators were urged to do more to publish information about the rights of passengers, with 74 per cent of customers claiming the train companies did little or nothing at all to provide details on the ability to claim following a delay. The watchdog also criticised rail firms for issuing refunds in the form of vouchers that can only be redeemed in person and not online.

ORR chair Anna Walker commented: "We want to see that passengers are treated fairly, receive the quality of service they pay for, and when this is not the case, can hold their service providers to account."

Customers who wish to make a claim have 28 days from the date of travel to do so and must keep hold of their ticket as proof of their journey.