Tracks of our tears

Up to two-thirds of trains late or cancelled at UK’s worst stations

RAIL WOES Virgin train RAIL passengers are suffering “unacceptably high” levels of late and axed trains at our busiest stations, a study says.

Some two-thirds were delayed or cancelled since the start of the year at Manchester Oxford Road.

The Which? study of Britain’s 20 busiest stations found the same amount failed to stick to schedule at York. Virgin West Coast Trains, which lost its franchise in June, was worst-performing operator.

More than three-quarters of its services made people late. Which? wants automatic payouts for all customers hit by disruption.

The watchdog said most firms do not compensate rail for delays of less than 30 minutes. Spokesman Alex Hayman added: “People have been left deeply frustrated at the unacceptably high levels of delays and cancellations.”

Rail Delivery Group said: “We’re investing billions to minimise disruption…and improving awareness of compensation, with payments up 80% in the last two years.”