A RAIL provider's performance has been laid bare after the results of a far-reaching transport survey were published.

The National Rail Passenger Survey collected feedback from more than 27,000 passengers across the UK between February and April this year.

Cumbria's network operator, Northern, has welcomed positive results from the survey but MP for Barrow and Furness, John Woodcock, has said standards must be improved.

Out of 1,365 Northern passengers surveyed, 83 per cent rated their overall experience as good or satisfactory.

Only six per cent said the service was unsatisfactory or poor, and 11 per cent believed it was average.

To see the full list of results for Northern, click here.

Mr Woodcock announced he will be reforming the Cumbria Better Connected pressure group to lobby for continued improvements in Furness.

He said: "With the new Dreadnought programme in Barrow, the Moorside project up the coast and the uncertainty surrounding GSK in Ulverston, it is more important than ever that our high-tech modern economy is supported by a transport network fit for the 21st century.

"Getting the Cumbria Better Connected campaign up and running again is vital to coordinate our efforts so that we can speak with one voice when demanding a better service."

During the period surveyed Northern was judged to have improved ticket buying facilities, speed of journeys and available seating. However, it scored low for personal security on board, station toilet facilities and how it dealt with delays.

Richard Allan, customer and people experience director at Northern, said: "It is encouraging that many of our scores are improving and we have firm plans in areas where customers want improvement, such as better stations and free Wi-Fi on trains.

“The first of our refurbished trains are in service, the first new trains are being built, and new facilities are being built at many smaller stations. There is much more to come over the next three years as we modernise local rail services for the North.”

Read more on rail links in our area:

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See the new trains that will eventually replace the outdated Northern stock

Transport secretary promised greater investment for Furness