Northern users may be compensated after rail firm broke fare evasion rules

Some Northern Rail users have said the rules are confusing. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Rail passengers could be entitled to compensation after Northern was accused of breaking its fare evasion rules to prosecute commuters.

The train operator said on Monday all prosecutions of people accused of using a 16-25 railcard to obtain a discount at the wrong time of day were being withdrawn – with less than 25 previous cases being reviewed.