More trains are 'running on time'

First says more improvements will follow

Punctuality at train company First Great Western is improving, says the Strategic Rail Authority.

Between July and September, 81% of its trains ran on time - making it the second best improved train company in the country, says First.

This was an increase of 15% from the same period last year.

Elsewhere in the region, Wessex Trains had a punctuality hit rate of more than 85%, and pledged to improve on its services for next year.

First Great Western also says that 84% of its customers were "fairly" or "very" happy with their journeys for the three month period.

For its sister company, First Great Western Link, which operates between London and the West, this figure dropped to 76%.

Glenda Lamont, commercial director at the company, said: "This shows we are operating more punctual services and carrying more satisfied customers.

"But there's still work to do, and we are determined to continue this improvement."

The company says its improved performance is down to a number of initiatives including:

a new platform at Swindon

the introduction of managers at key stations

the completion of a three year programme to replace electrical systems in High Speed Train engines