New data on rail performance paints a "grim picture" for passengers, the transport secretary has said.

With figures revealing than nearly one in three trains failed to run on time in the last quarter of 2001, Stephen Byers said radical solutions are required. "It is clear that the performance last autumn was simply not good enough. These figures paint a grim picture of delays and poor performance," he said.

Forum Response: Virgin Trains

A spokesperson for Virgin Trains told ePolitix.com: "Over the last couple of months our performance on the west coast main line and our cross country routes have improved dramatically.

"There are currently 34 of our new Voyager trains currently in service with a further 44 on order. We are also introducing a fleet of 55 new tilting electric trains called Pendolinos. The Pendolino will bring massive improvements in the travel environment, coupled with innovations in on-board entertainment and service.

"Virgin Trains have also invested £2 billion in upgrading the west coast main line and £200 million in the cross country route. This represents a massive financial commitment to our customers and bodes well for the future."

Forum Response: Association of Train Operating Companies

George Muir, director general of ATOC, told ePolitix.com: "Train performance during the critical autumn period is known to dip around 10 per cent because of poor adhesion and sever weather, which is what happened last year. But, as is well known, we went into the autumn with lower punctuality then previous years, resulting in particularly disappointing performance at the end of the year.

"I don't think the Railtrack administration was a material factor in that performance. Sanders, which are now being fitted to trains, and other measures will mitigate the autumn effect once they have had time to bed in.

"Early indications of performance in the new year show encouraging signs of improvement, but getting back to good levels of punctuality remains a very steep challenge with ageing rolling stock and infrastructure on a congested network.

"Train operators realise there is a tremendous amount of work for them and Railtrack to do to deliver the service passengers expect and deserve."

Forum Response: WAGN

A spokesperson for WAGN told ePolitix.com: "Since Christmas, the number of trains which have operated on our routes has remained high. However, we recognise there is room for improvement in terms of punctuality.

"There are many speed restrictions - imposed in the wake of Hatfield - still in place on our routes and we want Railtrack and Railtrack's successor to lift these restrictions as soon as possible.

"We are confident that this will have a major positive impact on improving the punctuality of our services."