Midlands rail passengers give thumbs on value for money

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th Jun 2006

Central Train

Passenger Focus' National Passenger Survey results show that despite national satisfaction with the overall journey remaining high, rail passengers are increasingly disappointed with the value for money for the price of their ticket.

In the midlands, passenger satisfaction has improved significantly compared to the same time last year.

Passengers gave a thumbs up to:

88% of Chiltern passengers and 87% of Midland Mainline passengers are satisfied with their overall journey, above the national average

78% of passengers are satisfied with Central Trains' punctuality and reliability, an increase of 5% on the same period last year

Virgin West Coast improved their survey ratings, with one of the highest ratings for overall satisfaction, reaching 90%

Passengers in the midlands gave a thumbs down to:

Only 45% of Midland Mainline and 47% of Chiltern passengers think that they are getting value for money

Only 29% of passengers are satisfied with how delays are dealt with by Central Trains

Common bugbears for passengers in the midlands include car parking at stations (49% on Virgin), toilet facilities (39% on Central Trains) and the availability of staff on trains (just 26% on Chiltern)