FIRST Great Western is last when it comes to reliability and punctuality, a new report shows.
Strategic Rail Authority figures reveal that reliability figures for the Swindon-based company are the worst of the 43 services surveyed, while that for punctuality is joint worst with 15 others.
During the 2001/02 financial year, First Great Western had to offer season ticket holders discounts for poor reliability in 12 out of 13 four-week periods monitored, and for poor punctuality in all 13.
The figures are revealed in the annual report of the Rail Passengers Council, a watchdog whose members include deputy Swindon Council leader Kevin Small (Lab, Western).
RPC chairman Stewart Francis acknowledges improvements by First Great Western in his introduction to the report.
And First Great Western spokesman Tim Bowcock insisted that with revised timetables and the continued introduction of the modern Adelante train fleet to FGW's Routes, the situation is improving.
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