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Train delays: operators blame rain
Two train companies have blamed rain and flooding for disappointing punctuality statistics on their services.
In the period between June 24 and July 21, East Coast ran 84.9% of its services on time while Virgin Trains managed 86.5%.
Under current rules, a commuter train is required to arrive within five minutes and a long-distance service within 10 minutes of its scheduled arrival in order to be classed as on time.
"The unprecedented wet weather, which caused severe flooding and landslips at the end of the wettest June on record, was responsible for two out of the three incidents which caused the most delay to East Coast services," said an East Coast spokesman.
Whatever the reason, commuters who are disappointed by their local train services could be prompted to try alternative options, such as coach travel, as they look to get to and from work on time.
There were better statistics for passengers of c2c services that run between South Essex and London Fenchurch Street, which have set a new punctuality record for the last year with a score of 97.1%.
Copyright Press Association 2012
