Each of these is a refusal this regime lets a counterparty attempt, paired with the answer to it. Reading them before you write is worth more than any amount of polish on the letter itself.
"The delay was force majeure"
high likelihoodThe carrier asserts weather, an incident on the line, or circumstances beyond its control, and treats the assertion as the end of the matter.
What answers it
Article 110 puts the burden of PROOF on the carrier, and the excusing circumstances are a closed list: force majeure, the elimination of a fault in the rolling stock threatening life or health, and other circumstances beyond the carrier's control. Ask it to identify which limb and to produce the evidence. Operational congestion, a late inbound set and planned engineering works are not force majeure.
Устав железнодорожного транспорта РФ, ст. 110 (Federal Law No. 18-FZ of 10 January 2003) — Art. 110 — for delay in the arrival of a passenger train the carrier pays the passenger a penalty of 3 per cent of the fare for each hour of delay, but not more than the fare, unless it proves the delay arose from force majeure, from the elimination of a fault threatening life or health, or from other circumstances beyond its control
"Here is a travel voucher"
high likelihoodThe carrier offers credit towards a future journey instead of the statutory penalty.
What answers it
Article 110 provides for a penalty in money. A voucher is worth less to you than its face value and more to the carrier than its face value, which is why it is offered first. Decline it and ask for payment to a bank account, in writing.
Устав железнодорожного транспорта РФ, ст. 110 (Federal Law No. 18-FZ of 10 January 2003) — Art. 110 — for delay in the arrival of a passenger train the carrier pays the passenger a penalty of 3 per cent of the fare for each hour of delay, but not more than the fare, unless it proves the delay arose from force majeure, from the elimination of a fault threatening life or health, or from other circumstances beyond its control
"This was a suburban service"
medium likelihoodThe carrier characterises the train as suburban traffic to bring it outside Article 110.
What answers it
The exclusion is real, so check it rather than dismissing it — but it turns on the classification of the SERVICE, not on the distance you travelled or the type of ticket you bought. Ask the carrier to state the classification of the train by number, and compare it with the timetable entry.
Устав железнодорожного транспорта РФ, ст. 110 (Federal Law No. 18-FZ of 10 January 2003) — Art. 110 — for delay in the arrival of a passenger train the carrier pays the passenger a penalty of 3 per cent of the fare for each hour of delay, but not more than the fare, unless it proves the delay arose from force majeure, from the elimination of a fault threatening life or health, or from other circumstances beyond its control
"Your season ticket already accounts for delays"
medium likelihoodThe operator suggests that a discounted season or an annual "performance" adjustment already compensates the holder, so individual claims are not payable.
What answers it
A season ticket does not waive compensation for individual delayed journeys. The schemes set out a pro-rata method for valuing one journey out of a season, precisely so that season holders can claim per delay. Ask them to apply it and to show the calculation.