Train punctuality reached 92.1 per cent during period seven (September 15th to October 12th) this year.

According to monthly performance data published by Network Rail today (October 18th), this is above the moving annual average of 90.7 per cent and only 0.2 percentage points below the same time last year.

The most reliable operator was c2c rail with a punctuality of 97.8 per cent, followed by Chiltern (97.1 per cent) and Mersey Rail (96.3 per cent). At the bottom of the table was First Transpennine Express with 87.8 per cent, although Network Rail puts this down to interference caused by industrial disputes.

It considers commuter trains to be punctual if they arrive within five minutes of expected times while long distance routes can be ten minutes late.

Commenting on the figures, a spokesperson for the Association of Train Operating Companies said: "More than nine out of ten trains arrived as planned according to the punctuality measure set by government.

"Train companies are committed to working with Network Rail to focus efforts on providing passengers with an even better service."