Punctuality of Virgin Trains services over the past year is the most improved across the rail industry according to latest figures announced today by Network Rail.

During the period from 25 July to 21 August this year 93.0% of trains arrived on time across the 1,190 km network that stretches from London to Glasgow and takes in Birmingham, North Wales, Manchester and Liverpool. This compares with 89.6% of trains arriving on time during the equivalent period last year.

Tony Collins, Virgin Trains CEO, said. "The improvement over the last year has been extremely impressive. The performance of Network Rail and our other partners, as well as our staff, has brought a significant shift in the way customers can plan their journeys with confidence."Our strong growth and improved satisfaction figures of the last year are a direct result of this performance and it is crucial we all maintain consistently reliable punctuality as we approach the autumn."

Virgin Trains operates 330 trains each weekday with annual ridership currently running at 26 million.