Southeastern rail passengers will be entitled to claim compensation for shorter delays under new measures to be rolled out in the autumn.

As part of its passenger-focused improvements, passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more will receive money back for their journey.

The train operator currently compensates those who have been delayed for 30 minutes or longer.

National scheme Delay Repay 15 has already been introduced on other rail networks including Govia Thameslink Railway and South Western.

Britain's third-largest rail franchise, Southeastern has said the process of claiming compensation will be made "quicker and easier" for passengers by upgrading its website.

The improvements are part of a short-term extension to the current Govia franchise - a joint venture between Go-Ahead and Keolis - which was agreed by the Department for Transport (DfT) while it decides on the winner for the next franchise.

Southeastern will continue to operate services until November 10, with an option to extend to April 1 next year.

Managing director David Statham said: "I don't want any of our passengers to be delayed but if they are it's really important that we compensate them properly.

"That's why I'm delighted to announce these improvements to Delay Repay, which will make a real difference for people who experience shorter delays of between 15 and 30 minutes.

"We're also launching an upgraded website so claims can be submitted in half the time, enhancing the Key smart ticket system alongside a new Best Fare Finder and expanding our award-winning Customer Ambassador programme."

A Dft spokesman said: "We welcome that Southeastern has committed to introducing Delay Repay 15, ensuring passengers get the simple, speedy compensation they deserve when things go wrong.

"This follows the agreement, as previously announced in April, of a short extension to the franchise with the current operator, Govia."