MERSEYRAIL, which serves this area, is officially the most punctual train company in the country.

Punctuality and reliability of train services is gauged by the Public Performance Measure (PPM).

This enables comparisons to be made between different train operators nationally on a like-for-like basis.

Merseyrail’s PPM has been consistently among the best in the country and has now surpassed its previous highest level achieved in February 2005.

The Moving Annual Average for Merseyrail, which gives an accurate picture over a sustained period for the year up to December, now stands at 94.3%.

The new punctuality record of 94.3% also makes Merseyrail the best performing train operating company in the country over the last 12 months together with Chiltern Railways.

Bart Schmeink, managing director of Merseyrail, said: “I think it is great news that Merseyrail is leading the way in the national train performance league.

“I am proud of my 1,150 Merseyrail colleagues. They have done a great job, it is their achievement. Together with Merseytravel and Network Rail, we will continue to improve the network and improve our performance to provide an even better service for local people and visitors alike in Capital of Culture year.”