Train passengers in South Yorkshire are being given seven days free travel to compensate for timetable cuts.

The cashback bonus is for Arriva season or railmaster ticket holders.

David Judson, Arriva Trains Northern's regional director, said: "Commuters can simply pick up an application form from their local station and send it in.

"We'll send back a cheque to the value of a whole week's worth of travel."

Recruitment drive

The cashback offer is to compensate customers for a temporary timetable which ran last autumn due to driver shortages.

The deal was agreed with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

"Since then we have carried out one of the largest driver recruitment and training campaigns seen in the rail industry and restored the full timetable on target," said Mr Judson.

The offer includes people travelling within South Yorkshire and commuting to areas such as Leeds, Huddersfield, Goole, Scunthorpe and Manchester.

They can claim back the cost of a week's travel until 8 December 2002.