National Rail Conditions of Travel - Part A: Summary of these Conditions

The terms and conditions of these National Rail Conditions of Travel are set out in Part C to Part H (the “Conditions”). They comprise the binding contract that comes into effect between you and the Train Companies* that provide scheduled rail services on the National Rail Network, when you purchase a Ticket.

This summary provides a quick overview of the key responsibilities of Train Companies and passengers contained in the contract.

It is important, however, that you read the Conditions if you want a full understanding of the responsibilities of Train Companies and passengers.

We have included a number of ‘information’ panels and/or footnotes to help you understand the meaning of certain Conditions. Please note that these panels and footnotes are for explanations only and do not form part of a Train Company’s contract with you.

The key responsibilities of Train Companies (‘we’) are:

• Prior to departure and during your journey, we will make available information that will help you to plan and successfully complete your journey on the National Rail Network. This will wherever possible be done in a way in which people with sight and/or hearing difficulties can understand.

• We will make available clear information about the range of Tickets to help you make a well-informed choice about the most appropriate and best value Ticket for your journey.

• We will provide a range of ways in which you can buy a Ticket before your journey and will ensure that you are treated fairly if you are unable to purchase a Ticket because advertised facilities are unavailable.

• If you have a disability, we will provide assistance upon request to help ensure that you enjoy your journey on the National Rail Network at no additional cost.

• If things go wrong, we will, in the circumstances set out in this document below, refund your Ticket, pay you compensation, make sure you get home by another means of transport or provide you with overnight accommodation.

The key responsibilities of passengers (‘you’) are:

• You must purchase, where possible, a valid Ticket before you board a train service on the National Rail Network.

• You must look after your Ticket and present it for inspection when asked by a member of rail staff.

• You must use your Ticket in accordance with the specific terms and conditions associated with it (for example, your Ticket might be restricted to certain routes or certain times).

• You must not engage in anti-social or criminal behaviour when using the National Rail Network.

*Words in capital letters are defined in Appendix B