TWO York train operators which run services from the city to London have hailed the findings of the latest national passenger satisfaction survey.

Grand Central said it was a ‘real achievement’ after being ranked best value long distance train operator for the sixth year running in Transport Focus’s twice yearly National Rail Passenger Survey for last autumn, as well as number one for overall journey satisfaction.

The survey said 96 per cent of Grand Central’s passengers were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their journey, placing the train operating company in top spot for overall satisfaction, ahead of national average figures of 84 per cent for all train companies and 89 per cent for long distance operators.

Virgin Trains said it had achieved some of the highest overall scores for long-distance franchised operators with 92 per cent on its east coast route – well above the average long-distance score of 86 per cent.

It said the high scores followed an investment of tens of millions of pounds.

Managing director David Horne said: “These figures are a testament to our continued investment in services on the east coast and demonstrate that we are continuing to deliver for passengers.”

Meanwhile TransPennine Express (TPE) said it ‘remained focused on improving its scores’ after its overall satisfaction score fell by three per cent from last year to 81 per cent.

Customer experience director Kathryn O’Brien acknowledged there had been ‘some drops in some areas’ and said it would develop plans to address these.