A trouble-hit rail operator will introduce a new interim timetable in a bid to tackle ongoing issues with disruption and delays.

Eastern Daily Press: Great Northern train at King's Lynn. Picture: Ian BurtGreat Northern train at King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates the Great Northern line between King's Lynn and London, has also announced a new compensation scheme for passengers most severely affected by disruption following the timetable change in May.

Since the botched release of the new timetable on May 20, commuters have complained of services being delayed and even cancelled while journey times have also increased.

The Fen Line Users Association (FLUA) said a shortage of train drivers trained for the new timetable and additional stops after Cambridge, adding 10 minutes to the journey time, have contributed towards commuter chaos.

Rail bosses hope the new interim timetable, due to be implemented on Sunday, July 15, will reduce late notice cancellations and amendments that have been experienced in the past few weeks.

Some stations will see a reduced service and special stop orders - where trains are made to stop at stations that are not part of the schedule - will not be issued other than during times of disruption or if there is a large gap in the service.

Nick Brown, chief operating officer of GTR, said: 'The new timetable provides passengers with a more robust and reliable service, gives priority to peak hour trains and seeks to reduce gaps in the service. 'We encourage passengers affected by disruption to seek compensation.'

Rail bosses have issued an apology to passengers and have announced a new compensation scheme with the Department for Transport.

GTR will be offering compensation to qualifying season ticket holders according to the level of disruption on Thameslink and Great Northern services.

Refunds will be the equivalent to the cost of one week or four weeks' rail travel.

Mr Brown added: 'I am deeply sorry for the disruption which the rail industry is working very hard to fix.

'This compensation is offered in addition to our usual Delay Repay compensation for journey delays of 15 minutes or more and enhanced compensation for season tickets holders.'