Train operator Merseyrail, which runs commuter services in and around Liverpool, tops the train performance league this month with 96.2% of services on time in July, narrowly beating South West Trains (95.9%) and Arriva Train Wales (95.8%).

The figures were released today in Network Rail’s regular monthly report on train performance.  During the period from 27June to 24 July, 92.6% of services arrived on time.  This compares to 92.4% in same period last year.

Robin Gisby, director of operations and customer services, said: “Month after month the rail industry is delivering a good standard of train punctuality for our three and a half million daily users.  We continue to do our utmost to push this further still, whilst maintaining very high levels of safety.”

In all, eight of the 19 operators saw their performance improve compared to the same period last year, with First Scotrail seeing the biggest improvement (up to 94.8% from 92% last year). The rest saw marginal movements in performance with only one operator seeing significant movement (more than three percentage points)

Mr Gisby concluded: “Network Rail is committed to working closely with the long distance operators to improve overall performance in this sector, where some delays, including infrastructure failures, can have a significant distorting effect on the PPM.”