Punctuality Best in a Decade

The number of trains arriving on time across Scotland in August was 94.8% - the best in a decade.

The record breaking performance on punctuality and reliability was against a background of running 10% more trains than in 1999.

In a monthly update, train operator ScotRail and Network Rail, which manages the infrastructure, announced the industry standard Public Performance Measure (PPM) reached 94.8% in the 28 days to August 22.

The previous best monthly high since ScotRail took over the franchise in late 2004 was 94.2%, achieved in April last year. The results also found that reliability and punctuality - across the Scottish rail network - had passed the 90% mark for the sixth month in a row.

Over the four weeks to August 22, punctuality reached 97.9% on Express services which include the main Glasgow-Edinburgh line as well as trains from both cities to and from Aberdeen and Inverness. Punctuality on Highland services also reached 97%. Other routes - South West, East, Central and Strathclyde - ranged from 95.5% to 96.2%.

Both ScotRail and Network Rail said they were committed to further improving Scotland's railway performance.

Steve Montgomery, ScotRail's managing director, said: "This was an excellent month, with strong punctuality performance seen across the network We will continue to strive for ongoing improvements."

David Simpson, Network Rail route director in Scotland, said: "This level of performance is further evidence that, with ongoing investment and attention to detail, the overall standards on Scotland's rail network are improving year on year. With improved performance, however, comes greater expectations and we will work with ScotRail to meet those expectations."

Arrived on time - the measure of train punctuality also known as PPM means trains arriving at their destinations within five minutes for commuter services and within 10 minutes for long distance services. This measure of punctuality is commonly used throughout Europe.