West Coast Main Line problems result in further dip in punctuality of services

Infrastructure problems on a main London to Scotland rail route contributed to an overall dip in nationwide train punctuality last month.

The difficulties, which included overhead line and track problems, meant Virgin Trains was able to run only 82.9 per cent of services on time on its West Coast route in the period 29 April to 26 May.

Overall, train companies ran 92.3 per cent of services on time during this period compared with 93.7 per cent in the same period last year, rail infrastructure company Network Rail (NR) said.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has already warned NR to improve punctuality on long-distance services, including the West Coast Main Line.

Yesterday, Virgin Trains said the infrastructure problems on the line – which are the responsibility of NR – were “unacceptable” and that the ORR’s action “does not deal adequately with the immediate issues”.