Fewer people think trains offer value

In a survey of more than 26,000 passengers in the autumn, only 45 per cent said the price of their ticket was fair – down one per cent on 12 months earlier.

Overall passenger approval has hardly changed since autumn 2008, with more than 83 per cent of rail users saying that they were satisfied with their journey.

A similar proportion of passengers were satisfied with punctuality and reliability – a two per cent increase on the previous year.

The survey, published by Passenger Focus, found long-distance train companies fared better than operators of shorter commuter routes.

Passenger Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: "The investment in faster and more frequent Virgin Trains services and London Midland's new trains have resulted in much better scores from passengers.

"The message from passengers is clear – investment does pay off."

Grand Central, which runs services to London from York, Thirsk and Northallerton, came second in a league table of 23 train operators with an overall satisfaction rating of 95 per cent.

First TransPennine Express (89 per cent) and East Coast (89) were joint ninth, London Midland (87) was 12th, CrossCountry (85) 15th, East Midlands Trains (84) 16th and Northern Rail (82) joint 17th.

The survey found that work was needed to improve the areas passengers identified as their top priorities, such as value for money and how delays were handled.

It was conducted before the cold snap which brought major problems to the rail network in December and January.

Association of Train Operating Companies chief executive Michael Roberts said: "Record levels of overall customer satisfaction are a reflection of train companies continuing to provide passengers with the high quality service that they expect and deserve.

"Satisfaction has improved in a whole range of areas, from the helpfulness of staff to the frequency and punctuality of trains, and is testament to the hard work of train operators in providing ever better services to passengers."