The
results
of
a
new
survey
published
by
passenger
watchdog
Transport
Focus
show
that
passengers
are
more
concerned
about
the
cost
of
travelling
by
train
than
anything
else.
Performance
came
just
behind,
while
the
third
priority
was
trains
running
often
enough,
followed
by
accurate
and
timely
information
about
the
timetable,
and
then
getting
a
seat
on
the
train.
Less
important
were
helpful
staff,
clean
stations
and
trains,
and
reliable
WiFi,
which
was
the
23rd
category
in
TF’s
list
of
25
priorities.
Finding
sufficient
space
for
luggage
was
the
least
important
factor.
More
than
15,000
people
were
asked
for
their
opinions.
Transport
Focus
chief
executive
Anthony
Smith
said:
‘The
research
found
passengers’
top
two
priorities
for
the
railway
–
well
ahead
of
others
–
are
the
“price
of
train
tickets
offers
value
for
money”
and
“reliability
and
punctuality”.
This
reaffirms
that
what
matters
most
to
passengers
is
a
punctual
and
reliable
railway
that
delivers
on
the
timetable’s
promise
at
an
acceptable
price.
‘The
railway
must
maintain
its
focus
on
this.
Passengers’
other
key
priorities
also
reflect
an
emphasis
on
the
railway
getting
the
basics
right.
Passengers
want
sufficiently
frequent
trains
and
accurate
and
timely
information
about
train
times
and
any
delays.
They
want
a
seat
on
board
a
clean
train
and,
of
course,
they
need
to
feel
safe.
These
are
not
the
only
things
that
matter,
but
passengers
will
judge
the
railway
on
how
effectively
it
delivers
its
“core
product”.’
The
figures
have
been
published
as
the
RMT
and
ASLEF
both
stage
more
strikes
this
week.
Today
is
the
second
day
of
a
48-hour
walkout
by
RMT
members
at
Network
Rail
and
most
train
operators,
and
a
second
48-hour
RMT
strike
is
planned
for
Friday
and
Saturday,
while
ASLEF
drivers
will
strike
on
Thursday.
Train
services
are
being
severely
disrupted
throughout
Britain,
with
only
one
in
five
trains
running
at
best,
although
reports
say
that
Network
Rail
is
indicating
progress
in
negotiations
over
pay
and
conditions.