Transport Focus is the independent organisation, sponsored by the DfT, which monitors and researches the views of people who use UK transport.

In December TF published the results of a rail passenger survey it ran in partnership with Network Rail. To us the results are not in the least surprising. The rail industry decision makers already know these things too, but we need the politicians, who could increase rail's share of the transport budget, to take them on board and act on them.

Transport Focus said:

We partnered with Network Rail on this work to help inform its investment plans for the next five-year Control Period.

We asked 15,226 passengers from around Great Britain to tell us what is important to them, and it highlights where investment and effort can best be targeted by the railway. The research also explores in more depth passengers' views on punctuality and reliability, engineering works, the environment and accessibility.

Key survey findings include:

• Almost three quarters of passengers believe it is more important for trains to run to schedule, compared with one in five who would prefer a quicker service which may increase the chance of delays.
• Less than half of passengers think the railway currently performs well on delivering value for money tickets.
• Passengers that last used the train more than 12 months ago say that cheaper fares are the factor most likely to encourage them to return to the train. Passengers say that the railway's ability to cope with adverse weather is the most important environmental issue. The railway's current performance in this area is a concern for some passengers, with more than one in four saying the railway performs poorly.
• Disabled passengers have the same top priorities of reliability and value for money, but unsurprisingly those travelling with a mobility scooter or wheelchair say it is accessibility that matters most to them.

The top issues that matter the most to passengers across Scotland are:

1. Price of train tickets offers value for money
2. Reliability and punctuality
3. Sufficiently frequent trains
4. Getting a seat on the train
5. Accurate and timely information about train times
6. Personal security on the train
7. Being kept informed about delays and the options passengers have
8. Inside of trains being clean and well-maintained
9. Their personal security at stations
10. Quick journey times

Here are links to two additional surveys carried out by Transport Focus

• Changing Trains Versus Direct Trains
• Printed Timetables