Train delays hit 10-year highs for Square Mile commuters

Punctuality rates for three London train operators – including two that take commuters directly into the Square Mile – fell to decade-lows in the second quarter of this year.

The percentage of Chiltern Railways, c2c, and Greater Anglia trains arriving late between July and September were at their highest in over 10 years, according to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

Greater Anglia had its worst second quarter delays since records for its services began in 2004/5, with 13.7 per cent of trains not arriving on time. The operator runs services from London Liverpool Street, as well as regional services in the east of England.

A Greater Anglia spokesperson blamed the hot summer and trackside fires for the delays and said: “The majority of our trains do run on time, as these figures also show, but we are sorry when this is not the case.”

Chiltern, meanwhile, had its lowest punctuality rates for July to September since 2005/06. The operator, which runs services from London Marylebone and in the west Midlands, had 9.5 per cent of its trains not arriving on time.

Second quarter punctuality for C2C was at its worst since 2003/04, with 6.8 per cent of its services between London Fenchurch Street and Essex arriving late.

C2C said the increase in delays was primarily caused by a high number of train failures, and it has worked with its manufacturer, Bombardier, and Network Rail to address these issues.

Throughout London and the south east, the ORR reported that 13.5 per cent of trains had not arrived on time over summer.

“On time” is defined by ORR as arriving at the final destination within five minutes of the planned timetable for regional operators and within 10 minutes for long distance operators.

Chiltern has not yet responded to a request for comment.