Current performance statistics are being displayed at National Rail stations for the first time, after the previous transport secretary Louise Haigh promised in November that the public would be soon be able to ‘hold us to account’.

The data streams went live at more than 1,700 stations this morning. The figures, which cover the 14 operators in England with National Rail Contracts or those which have already been renationalised, are being displayed on screens at larger stations. Other operators are included if they have agreed.

The figures can also be retrieved on line if passengers scan a QR code, or visit the Office of Rail and Road data portal.

The statistics show the percentage of trains cancelled and how punctual trains are at each station. A train is officially ‘on time’ if it is no more than three minutes late.

The displays also include brief information about any work being carried out by the operators and Network Rail to improve performance in the area, with the aim of ‘informing and assuring passengers’ about what is being done.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander is visiting Reading station today. She said: ‘Today marks the beginning of a new era of rail accountability.

‘These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways, as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations.

‘Through fundamental rail reform, we’re sweeping away decades of dysfunctionality – putting passengers first, driving growth through connectivity as part of this government’s Plan for Change.’

Rail Delivery Group chair and chief executive Jacqueline Starr added: ‘We know how frustrating it is for customers when their train is cancelled or delayed. By being transparent with this data and the positive actions we’re taking, it shows how serious the industry is in putting this right by continuing to strive for improvements.

‘This send a clear message to customers the rail sector is committed to improving punctuality and to find solutions to make train services more reliable.’

Watchdog Transport Focus is urging operators to use the data to analyse where problems are occurring and take appropriate action.

Transport Focus director Natasha Grice said: ‘Passengers tell us they want a reliable, on-time train service and will welcome improvements to information about the punctuality of their service and cancellations being shared more transparently. It’s important that the industry uses this information to drive up performance.’

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