Customers see 'good' rail service

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The majority of UK rail passengers believe they receive a "good" service, a survey has suggested.

Rail watchdog Passenger Focus asked more than 25,000 commuters what they thought of the network.

A large majority said trains ran on time, but less than half of the sample thought ticket prices were good value.

Among train firms, only Virgin Cross Country (a 6% drop to 60%) and First Great Western (a 3% drop to 77%) saw a fall in customer satisfaction ratings.

Last week, First Great Western apologised to rail users "for not meeting their expectations".

There are still big areas for improvement, not least value for money Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus

It followed a protest by hundreds of passengers complaining about late and crowded trains. Some have had a reduced service since a new timetable was introduced in December.

'Disparity'

Passenger Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: "For some passengers things are moving in the right direction. However there are still big areas for improvement, not least value for money.

"The disparity between train companies is significant. Passengers have a right to expect a good level of service across the board."

Heathrow Express - the service between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport - was top of the list with a satisfaction rating of 96%.

Brian Raven, managing director of Heathrow Express, said he thought the success of the service was down to the 15 minute journey time and the high frequency of trains.