Revamped station tops train poll

Piccadilly is used for more than 22 million journeys per year

A railway station in Manchester that had a £100m revamp has been voted the best in the country in a passenger poll of Great Britain's 20 busiest stations.

The survey by the rail users group Passenger Focus revealed that 92% said they were satisfied with the overall environment of Piccadilly station.

The station is used for 22 million journeys per year.

Liverpool's Lime Street railway station tied for last place with Birmingham New Street and East Croydon, with 52%.

'Huge investment'

Network Rail said it was disappointed by the low rating, but work was ongoing to improve passenger facilities at Lime Street.

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said; "Passengers' ratings of Manchester Piccadilly station was head and shoulders above the national average of 60% of passengers satisfied with their station's overall environment.

Top 10 stations Manchester Piccadilly - 92% Glasgow Central - 87% Leeds - 81% Brighton - 77% Edinburgh Waverley - 74% London Liverpool Street - 74% London Cannon Street - 74% London Euston - 73% London Paddington - 72% London Fenchurch Street - 71%

"These results show that passengers value the huge investment Network Rail has put into Manchester Piccadilly station and the fact that the station continues to be well run."

Network Rail station manager Duncan Law also praised the station staff and said he was "rightly proud of my team and what they have achieved".

On 24 July transport secretary Ruth Kelly said £10bn would be invested by 2014 to increase services and lengthen trains.

Passenger Focus is the official, independent consumer organisation representing the interests of rail users nationally.