PASSENGER satisfaction with train operator ScotRail has equalled a record high of 90 per cent in spring, according to an independent watchdog.

Transport Focus said the level of satisfaction was up from 83 per cent in the last study in autumn last year, and Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said it showed the rail improvement plan implemented last year was working.

The national rail passenger survey (NRPS) found 92 per cent of passengers were satisfied with the speed of ScotRail journeys, 85 per cent with punctuality and reliability, 82 per cent with ScotRail train facilities and 54 per cent with how the operator deals with delays.

The last time ScotRail’s overall rating reached 90 per cent was in autumn 2015. The UK average satisfaction in the latest NRPS is 83 per cent.

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“This latest increase in overall passenger satisfaction, when compared with spring 2016, is welcome to both me and to passengers,” said Yousaf.

“These results are evidence the actions implemented through ScotRail’s performance improvement plan, which was in place during the survey period, have been reflected in customer opinion.

“This is a good example of Transport Scotland working with the ScotRail Alliance to drive up performance for passengers and we expect this to continue moving forward. While Scotland’s railways compare well with the rest of other UK operators, it is important ScotRail not only meets customer expectations but also strives to deliver improved services, trains and facilities across Scotland.”

An improvement plan was created last year during a turbulent period for the ScotRail Alliance when it faced calls to be stripped of its £7 billion, 10-year franchise to run the country’s railways after performance slipped below contracted standards.

The NRPS survey ranked ScotRail the eighth-best rail operator in the UK out of a total of 26.

Alex Hynes, managing director of the ScotRail Alliance, said: “For nine out of ten ScotRail customers to be satisfied with our performance at a time when we are delivering one of the biggest upgrades to our network since Victorian times is down to the hard work of our dedicated staff at the ScotRail Alliance, a partnership between Abellio ScotRail and Network Rail.

“These results are really encouraging but we aren’t complacent. The major investment we are making now will mean faster journeys, more seats and better services for our customers.”

Neil Bibby, Scottish Labour’s transport spokesman, welcomed the figures but said more work was needed to improve value for money. Railway workers should be thanked for their hard work and perseverance in what has been a difficult year for ScotRail, he said.

“However, passengers will still want to see continued action to tackle overcrowding and improve ScotRail services.”

The Greens said the challenge for ScotRail was to maintain the satisfaction rates. MSP John Finnie said: “Undoubtedly there has been an improvement in rail passenger satisfaction but the challenge for ScotRail and the Scottish Government is to ensure that these results become the norm and prove that this survey wasn’t a fluke.”

Scottish Tory transport spokesman Jamie Green said: “It’s welcome to see that overall satisfaction is increasing and it’s important to acknowledge the efforts of ScotRail staff in achieving this. However, these results show that there are still several areas of concern, with passengers still not feeling like they are getting value for money from their train service.”