Passenger Focus has broadly agreed with the National Audit Office (NAO) report released today.
 
The watchdog’s National Passenger Survey has found that the majority of passengers (80%) are satisfied with their overall journey, which backs up the NAO report. 
 
Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said: “These findings highlight how important it is to get franchises as right as possible from the outset rather than having to overcome problems or introduce major changes midway through the contract.
 
“Getting the best deal for passengers should always be the aim of establishing a new franchise. We have therefore welcomed the opportunity to put forward the passenger point of view and work with the Department for Transport (DfT) on the forthcoming South Central franchise.
 
“What the NAO findings do recognise is fares are going to increase which passengers will find difficult to understand when they already question their train ticket’s value for money.”
 
The watchdog welcomed the NAO suggestion that there should be greater emphasis on monitoring the quality of services train companies provide. “We look forward to hearing how the DfT will translate this into practise,” Mr Smith concluded