Cross Country and Virgin Trains top the list for the UK's most unpunctual train operating companies (TOCs).
Figures released by Network Rail reveal that just 46.2 per cent of Cross Country trains arrived on schedule, defined as arriving within one minute of its scheduled time. The equivalent figure for Virgin Trains was only a fraction higher at 48.4 per cent.
Other poor performers include Southern at 55.7 per cent, East Coast at 59.5 per cent and First Scotrail at 59.2 per cent.
The statistics cover a 365 day period leading up to June 22 of this year. They include delays caused by external factors such as weather, trespass, vandalism, cable theft and so on.
Top performers included Chiltern at 87 per cent, East Midlands Trains at 75 per cent, First Great Western at 69 per cent and Southwest at 68 per cent.
Note that Heathrow Express, Eurostar and 'open access' operators Grand Central and Hull Trains are not included in the Network Rail punctuality figures.
Alex McWhirter
