More Shropshire train services are running on time

Train operators serving Shropshire and the West Midlands had more services arrive on time last month than in the same period last year, new figures released by Network Rail have shown.

Arriva Trains Wales, which serves Shrewsbury and Mid Wales, achieved the third best nationwide trains-on-time figure of 95.1 per cent in June.

This compared with 93.9 per cent for the same month last year.

Meanwhile Virgin Trains, which operates services through Birmingham and Stafford along the west coast mainline, achieved 90.4 per cent punctuality in June.

In the same period last year the company achieved just 82.3 per cent.

A Virgin Trains spokesman said the improvement, the biggest year-on-year increase, reflected major investment in upgrading the west coast mainline and running a fleet of new trains.

The Wrexham and Shropshire company, which restored Shropshire's direct link with the capital two years ago, is not yet included in the Network Rail's monthly figures.

While Shropshire and Mid Wales rail passengers can expect to usually reach their destinations on time, passengers using the east coast mainline face the prospect of about one train in eight running late.