Tom Brake has called for train companies to clarify how compensation claims should be made after watchdog Which? published a report criticising the process.

The consumer choice organisation claimed that train companies make it difficult for passengers to get compensation for rail delays, cancellations, even if they are eligible.

Richard Lloyd, Which? executive director, said: "Current proposals to improve compensation for passengers are too far down the track.

"Even if an automatic compensation system was included in all new franchises from tomorrow, it would take until at least 2025 to cover the whole network.

"Millions of passengers are left out of pocket each year, so train companies must do more to put their passengers first and make rail refunds easier."

Which? said 47m passenger journeys were either cancelled, or significantly late over a period of one year.

A survey also found that out of 7,000 rail passengers who were entitled to compensation only 34 per cent said they made a claim.

Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, said: "It should be much easier to claim compensation for delays and disruption.

"This would help concentrate minds amongst the senior bosses in the train companies and Network Rail. At the moment, they are getting away with a pathetic excuse for a service."

A spokesman for the Office of Rail and Road said: "Passengers must be at the heart of the railways and are crucial to its growth and success.

"Compensation acts as an incentive for the industry to deliver a better service.

"However, our research has shown that passenger awareness of how and when to claim compensation is low.

"The industry has recently taken positive steps – such as signing up to a code of practice on providing clear information to passengers when they buy rail tickets, which includes their compensation rights.

"We will be assessing whether more could and should be done for passengers as we investigate this complaint."