Responding to the publication of the latest rail performance figures, a spokesperson for the Association of Train Operating Companies said:

“Train company staff worked around the clock to keep as many services running as possible during the coldest December on record, and it is testament to their hard work that over the period more than four out of five trains got to their destination on time.

“But we know that passengers did experience disruption during the snow and we apologise to everyone who had problems getting to where they wanted to go. Train companies and Network Rail are now examining closely what can be learnt from the cold snap so that action can be taken now and in the future to keep on improving punctuality, and to follow up issues highlighted in the Quarmby review into how the transport system copes with wintry weather.”