SOUTH Essex train operator c2c is offering cash back to passengers as an apology for delays caused on the line last week.

All monthly and annual season ticket holders will be able to claim the equivalent of a day’s fare in cash – up to £20 for those making the longest journeys – after repeated signal failures caused delays last week.

Passengers with daily and weekly tickets automatically qualify for a similar refund.

To receive their money, customers need to register online for a personalised letter with details of how much they will receive.

They then exchange this letter for their money at any c2c ticket office.

Julian Drury, c2c Managing Director, said: "Our service fell well below the standards passengers expect from c2c last week, and together with Network Rail we are sorry for the unacceptable delays they suffered.

"While we can’t give people their time back from these frustrating delays, we can offer them cash instead. I hope this helps show our customers how sorry we are."

Polly Billington, the prospective Labour MP for Thurrock wrote to c2c on Monday asking whether it would be compensating passengers.

She said: “Commuters have suffered an extraordinarily bad service this last week on C2C. Each day we have had apologies but little else.”

Passengers can register up until Tuesday, October 14 to claim their money online at http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/customer-care/refunds/cash-back.

This offer is in addition to the existing compensation arrangement that exists under c2c’s Passenger Charter.