Petition: Reverse the April 2026 National Rail Same-Day Ticket Refund Ban

The problem:
Since April 2026, National Rail's new refund policy means passengers can no longer cancel unused train tickets on the day of travel. Refunds must now be requested by 23:59 the day before.

This is deeply unfair to passengers especially self-employed, apprenticeships, and all those who face unexpected circumstances — illness, family emergencies, work changes, or personal situations entirely beyond their control — on the day of travel.

We call on the Department for Transport and National Rail to reinstate same-day refund rights for unused tickets, or, at a minimum, introduce a compassionate exemption process for passengers who miss the cancellation window due to genuine, unforeseen circumstances.

Why this matters: Passengers are losing money through no fault of their own.

The policy disproportionately affects lower-income travellers who can least afford to absorb the loss
It discourages rail travel at a time when the government should be encouraging it.

Third-party booking platforms like Trip.com, Trainline, Ticketyboo, and so on compound the problem further.

Sign this petition if you believe rail passengers deserve fair and flexible refund rights.