‘You can count on us’: Hull Trains named UK’s most reliable operator

SERVICE DELIVERY: Hull Trains was found to have the lowest level of cancellations in the UK, according to latest figures

By Simon Bristow

Hull Trains has been named the most reliable operator in the UK by a national regulator.

The company said that while other operators have “struggled with cancellations resulting from a wide range of circumstances”, Hull Trains has continued to maintain direct services to London King’s Cross from all stations including Hull, Selby, Retford, Howden, Grantham, and Doncaster.

Disruption over the most recent four-week period was so minimal that the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) data named Hull Trains as the best-performing operator following the publication of its recent statistics.

The ORR is a non-ministerial government department responsible for the regulation and performance of National Highways including rail.

Its most recent report, covering the four weeks to September 16, showed that only one-per-cent of Hull Trains’ services were affected by cancellation. This was the lowest figure amongst all train operating companies in the UK.

Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Hull Trains, said: “This an incredible achievement for Hull Trains. There have been so many circumstances that have affected the reliability of some rail services, many out of the operator’s control, so for Hull Trains to maintain vital transport links during the same period shows our commitment to delivering reliable and environmentally friendly services.

“It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Hull Trains team. Whatever the challenge, we continue to deliver for our customers. Whilst this is pleasing news, we will not rest on laurels and will continue to look for new ways to further improve the level of service.”

The Hull Trains Class 802 train fleet is also currently the most reliable of the Hitachi AT300 type fleets anywhere in the UK, the company said.

The operator is also set to improve its onboard offering following the announcement of the introduction of locally sourced snacks and hot and cold drinks as part of a standard-class onboard offer.

The offer is set to launch by the end of the year and has created a number of new roles including nine extra on-board hosts and three service centre assistants.

Hull Trains was established as an open access operator in 2000 and normally operates 94 services a week directly from Hull to London. It is based in Hull and employs 108 people.