The government has forced London Midland to give season tickets holders five days of free travel to make up for the mass disruption caused by the operator’s train driver shortage.
The £7 million package includes 500,000 cheap advance tickets as well as free travel for season ticket holders.
Norman Baker said: “London Midland has cancelled or delayed hundreds of services in recent months.
“On repeated occasions, they were not able to provide enough drivers and some services had to be cancelled, with severe delays to services, and they have fallen short both of everyone’s expectations and their franchise obligations.
“Securing these benefits for passengers represents a firm yellow card for London Midland and some financial benefit for those who have been hardest hit by their poor performance.
“I am confident London Midland has now rectified their driver shortage but the company need to be clear that we will continue to monitor their performance closely and take firmer action if necessary.
The free tickets will be available to all monthly and annual season ticket holders, as well as to weekly ticket holders who have been affected by disruption, while the additional advance tickets will be available over the next two years to passengers planning to travel on key London Midland routes.
The deal also confirms the end date of the franchise as September 2015.
