Liberal Democrat MP demands Rail Passengers’ Charter to guarantee wifi, clean loos and automatic compensation for customers in Thornbury and Yate 

Claire Young, Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury and Yate, has criticised the government for failing to address Britain’s "broken railways" as the party introduces a Rail Passengers’ Charter Bill in Parliament. 

In Yate, passengers who rely on trains to Bristol and Gloucester, have long suffered from crowded and unreliable services despite skyrocketing fare increases.

The Bill would enshrine in law improvements to customer experience and value for money for passengers across Thornbury and Yate, bringing services into the 21st century. 

The Charter would guarantee customers essential on-board comforts, including high-speed wifi, charging points, clean and accessible toilets, and ample storage for bicycles and luggage. It also mandates adequate seating for journeys over 30 minutes and refreshments for those over two hours.

Crucially, the Bill would commit Great British Railways (GBR) to ensure passengers receive automatic compensation for delays. This would remove the need for rail users to fill out lengthy forms to receive their entitlement, making the process seamless for travellers in Thornbury and Yate.

Ms Young recently campaigned successfully for continuing 1/2 hour services from Yate Station, but is still pushing to improve the service to Bristol and Gloucester and beyond, with trains often late or delayed.  She also wants GWR to put on later trains from Bristol Temple Meads for people enjoying nights out in the city. 

Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for the Government to put passengers first. The party is calling for an end to sub-par services and for the national rail infrastructure to be upgraded to meet the needs of commuters and families.

Ms Young, said:

“Rail users travelling from Yate have been paying more for less for far too long. It is unacceptable that while fares continue to climb, the quality of our trains remains stuck in the past.

“Whether it’s the struggle to find a seat, the lack of working facilities, or the bureaucratic nightmare of claiming a refund, Britain’s broken railways are failing our community. People across Thornbury and Yate are working hard and paying high prices; they deserve a service that actually reflects that investment.

“While both the Conservatives and Labour have let rail passengers across Thornbury and Yate down, the Liberal Democrats are taking action. Our Rail Passengers’ Charter will ensure our local rail network is a source of pride rather than stress.”