Virgin Trains is offering a complimentary first class journey to anyone who purchased a ticket for travel between 31 December 2007 and 3 January 2008 inclusive and included travel to or from London.  It was during this period that services were seriously disrupted when Network Rail’s engineering work at Rugby overran.  Many passengers found themselves having to be ferried by replacement coaches between Northampton and Birmingham International.

Those passengers who purchased a ticket dated for travel during the period of disruption should visit www.thisonesonus.com where full details of the offer will be displayed.  A special form can be printed off to which the customer should attach the ticket as proof of purchase and then post it to a special address.  They will then be sent a unique PIN number, which will allow them to obtain their free first class ‘off peak’ return journey anywhere on the Virgin Trains network. 

Explained Virgin Trains Chief Operating Officer Chris Gibb: We have decided to make this gesture to recognise the disruption and frustration that customers experienced in attempting to make journeys over the New Year period.  This offer is in addition to our passengers’ compensation arrangements which were put in place immediately following the engineering work overrun. We want customers to try us again and experience the first class travel experience that we offer.”

If a ticket has already been sent in for compensation then the passenger will be contacted directly with information about how to claim together with their PIN number.  Similarly anyone who purchased a ticket in advance through the Virgin Trains website will be automatically contacted.         

First Class on Virgin Trains is roomy and stylish travel option offering generous legroom with complimentary food and drink served to passengers at their seats and free headsets for the personalised audio system.  Journey opportunities include London (Euston) to Birmingham, North Wales, Liverpool, Manchester, The Lake District and Glasgow; or Birmingham to Glasgow and Edinburgh.