Choo the Rescue - Virgin train driver saves the day

A Virgin Train driver became a hero last weekend after coming to the rescue for three local Liverpool lads. Aaron Purcell, Daniel Grannon and Chris Thelwall arrived in London on Friday to kick-start a Wimbledon packed weekend but soon realised they were missing something…their tickets.

Not being able to afford a courier at £800, Daniel’s mum sped to Liverpool Lime Street where she begged Geof Perry, a Virgin Train driver to save the day.

Geof said: "A lady knocked on my window looking frantic and said her son had left his Wimbledon tickets on his mantelpiece and asked if I could I take them down to London for her. I am always happy to help out in situations like this especially when it’s a worthy cause.

"The trio were extremely grateful, calling me their hero and taking pictures of me by the train. They also said if I listened carefully to the match at Centre Court I would be able to hear chants to the sound of ‘Geof, Geof, Geof’ !"

From delivering Wimbledon tickets, returning celebrity dresses and reuniting friends and family, Virgin Trains provides a range of services to its customers.

In the latest National Passenger Survey (Spring 2010) Virgin Trains came top of the league of long-distance train operators for overall passenger satisfaction – 90% of passengers were satisfied with their journey.

For further information please contact Ellie Calcutt at The SPA Way on 020 7403 6900 or email ellie.calcutt@thespaway.com.

West Coast rail operator looks to bring industry-leading performance to East Coast

As it prepares its bid to run services on the East Coast rail route, independent research has once again shown Virgin Trains rated as best long-distance franchise operator for overall customer satisfaction and value for money.

Carried out twice a year by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, the National Passenger Survey is a key marker of train operating companies’ performance.

For the second survey in a row, passengers gave Virgin Trains the highest rating of any long-distance franchise operator when asked about how satisfied they were with their overall journey - 90% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’.

For the sixth survey in a row, passengers rated Virgin Trains as offering the best value-for-money of any long-distance franchise operator - 63% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ’good’.

Paul Furze-Waddock, Virgin Trains’ Business Development Director said:

‘To see that our customers consistently rate us so highly is a fantastic endorsement of the Virgin Trains approach, which combines financial stability with investment, innovation and customer service.

Virgin Trains brought a fresh approach to the rail industry when we won the West Coast franchise in 1997. To be honest, people thought it was mad for rail novices at Virgin to be so ambitious, with our plans for tilting trains and shorter journey times. But we delivered.

Now we’re meeting as many people as possible on the East Coast to develop ideas for improvements on that route and intend to put in a strong proposal to the Department for Transport for running East Coast services. We’re delivering for West Coast passengers, now we want to do the same for those using the East Coast.’

Virgin Trains leads the pack in latest national rail survey (Scotland)

The latest national passenger survey shows Virgin Trains is once again rated as best long-distance franchise operator for overall satisfaction and value for money.

Carried out twice a year by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, the National Passenger Survey is a key marker of train operating companies' performance.

For the second survey in a row, passengers gave Virgin Trains the highest rating of any long-distance franchise operator when asked about how satisfied they were with their overall journey - 90% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’.

For the sixth survey in a row, passengers rated Virgin Trains as offering the best value-for-money of any long-distance franchise operator - 63% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ’good’.

Virgin Trains’ improving punctuality is also reflected in the results, with the company tying for top place among long-distance franchisees as 89% of passengers gave ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ ratings.

Karen Hattie, Virgin Trains General Manager based at Glasgow said: "To see that our customers consistently rate us so highly is a fantastic boost for everyone who helps us deliver our service.

"We only get such high ratings by constantly improving our service, so we’ve also looked at the fine detail of the survey for areas where we need to do better. We don’t score so highly on issues relating to the state of stations, so we’re campaigning for more freedom to carry out improvements ourselves rather than relying on our landlords Network Rail.

"Virgin Trains brought a fresh approach to the rail industry when we won the West Coast franchise in 1997. The current franchise ends in 2012, and we’ll be bringing our typically customer-focussed approach to bidding for the next franchise."

Commenting on the results of the survey, Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, said: "The power of investment in the railways is clear. Virgin Trains has motored ahead as the top scoring major long distance operator with nine out of 10 Virgin passengers satisfied overall with their last journey. The combination of new trains, renewed track and more frequent services are luring more passengers to the railway and keeping them happy."

The National Passenger Survey can be viewed here:
http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp

Virgin Trains leads the pack in latest national rail survey (North)

The latest national passenger survey shows Virgin Trains is once again rated as best long-distance franchise operator for overall satisfaction and value for money.

Carried out twice a year by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, the National Passenger Survey is a key marker of train operating companies' performance.

For the second survey in a row, passengers gave Virgin Trains the highest rating of any long-distance franchise operator when asked about how satisfied they were with their overall journey - 90% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’.

For the sixth survey in a row, passengers rated Virgin Trains as offering the best value-for-money of any long-distance franchise operator - 63% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ’good’.

Virgin Trains’ improving punctuality is also reflected in the results, with the company tying for top place among long-distance franchisees as 89% of passengers gave ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ ratings.

Jane Cole, Virgin Trains General Manager based at Preston said: "To see that our customers consistently rate us so highly is a fantastic boost for everyone who helps us deliver our service.

"We only get such high ratings by constantly improving our service, so we’ve also looked at the fine detail of the survey for areas where we need to do better. We don’t score so highly on issues relating to the state of stations, so we’re campaigning for more freedom to carry out improvements ourselves rather than relying on our landlords Network Rail.

"Virgin Trains brought a fresh approach to the rail industry when we won the West Coast franchise in 1997. The current franchise ends in 2012, and we’ll be bringing our typically customer-focussed approach to bidding for the next franchise."

Commenting on the results of the survey, Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, said: "The power of investment in the railways is clear. Virgin Trains has motored ahead as the top scoring major long distance operator with nine out of 10 Virgin passengers satisfied overall with their last journey. The combination of new trains, renewed track and more frequent services are luring more passengers to the railway and keeping them happy."

The National Passenger Survey can be viewed here:
http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp

Virgin Trains leads the pack in latest national rail survey (Liverpool)

The latest national passenger survey shows Virgin Trains is once again rated as best long-distance franchise operator for overall satisfaction and value for money.

Carried out twice a year by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, the National Passenger Survey is a key marker of trains operating companies' performance.

For the second survey in a row, passengers gave Virgin Trains the highest rating of any long-distance franchise operator when asked about how satisfied they were with their overall journey - 90% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’.

For the sixth survey in a row, passengers rated Virgin Trains as offering the best value-for-money of any long-distance franchise operator - 63% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ’good’.

Virgin Trains’ improving punctuality is also reflected in the results, with the company tying for top place among long-distance franchisees as 89% of passengers gave ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ ratings.

Gary Iddon, Virgin Trains General Manager based at Liverpool said: "To see that our customers consistently rate us so highly is a fantastic boost for everyone who helps us deliver our service.

"We only get such high ratings by constantly improving our service, so we’ve also looked at the fine detail of the survey for areas where we need to do better. We don’t score so highly on issues relating to the state of stations, so we’re campaigning for more freedom to carry out improvements ourselves rather than relying on our landlords Network Rail.

"Virgin Trains brought a fresh approach to the rail industry when we won the West Coast franchise in 1997. The current franchise ends in 2012, and we’ll be bringing our typically customer-focussed approach to bidding for the next franchise."

Commenting on the results of the survey, Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, said: "The power of investment in the railways is clear. Virgin Trains has motored ahead as the top scoring major long distance operator with nine out of 10 Virgin passengers satisfied overall with their last journey. The combination of new trains, renewed track and more frequent services are luring more passengers to the railway and keeping them happy."


The National Passenger Survey can be viewed here:
http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp

Virgin Trains leads the pack in latest national rail survey (Wales)

The latest national passenger survey shows Virgin Trains is once again rated as best long-distance franchise operator for overall satisfaction and value for money.

Carried out twice a year by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, the National Passenger Survey is a key marker of trains operating companies' performance.

For the second survey in a row, passengers gave Virgin Trains the highest rating of any long-distance franchise operator when asked about how satisfied they were with their overall journey - 90% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’.

For the sixth survey in a row, passengers rated Virgin Trains as offering the best value-for-money of any long-distance franchise operator - 63% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ’good’.

Virgin Trains’ improving punctuality is also reflected in the results, with the company tying for top place among long-distance franchisees as 89% of passengers gave ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ ratings.

Mary Kenney, Virgin Trains Manager for Wales said: "To see that our customers consistently rate us so highly is a fantastic boost for everyone who helps us deliver our service.

"We only get such high ratings by constantly improving our service, so we’ve also looked at the fine detail of the survey for areas where we need to do better. We don’t score so highly on issues relating to the state of stations, so we’re campaigning for more freedom to carry out improvements ourselves rather than relying on our landlords Network Rail.

"Virgin Trains brought a fresh approach to the rail industry when we won the West Coast franchise in 1997. The current franchise ends in 2012, and we’ll be bringing our typically customer-focussed approach to bidding for the next franchise."

Commenting on the results of the survey, Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, said: "he power of investment in the railways is clear. Virgin Trains has motored ahead as the top scoring major long distance operator with nine out of 10 Virgin passengers satisfied overall with their last journey. The combination of new trains, renewed track and more frequent services are luring more passengers to the railway and keeping them happy."

The National Passenger Survey can be viewed here:
http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp

Virgin Trains leads the pack in latest national rail survey (Chester)

The latest national passenger survey shows Virgin Trains is once again rated as best long-distance franchise operator for overall satisfaction and value for money.

Carried out twice a year by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, the National Passenger Survey is a key marker of train operating companies' performance.

For the second survey in a row, passengers gave Virgin Trains the highest rating of any long-distance franchise operator when asked about how satisfied they were with their overall journey - 90% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’.

For the sixth survey in a row, passengers rated Virgin Trains as offering the best value-for-money of any long-distance franchise operator - 63% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ’good’.

Virgin Trains’ improving punctuality is also reflected in the results, with the company tying for top place among long-distance franchisees as 89% of passengers gave ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ ratings.

Jane Cole, Virgin Trains General Manager for Chester said: "To see that our customers consistently rate us so highly is a fantastic boost for everyone who helps us deliver our service.

"We only get such high ratings by constantly improving our service, so we’ve also looked at the fine detail of the survey for areas where we need to do better. We don’t score so highly on issues relating to the state of stations, so we’re campaigning for more freedom to carry out improvements ourselves rather than relying on our landlords Network Rail.

"Virgin Trains brought a fresh approach to the rail industry when we won the West Coast franchise in 1997. The current franchise ends in 2012, and we’ll be bringing our typically customer-focussed approach to bidding for the next franchise."

Commenting on the results of the survey, Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, said: "The power of investment in the railways is clear. Virgin Trains has motored ahead as the top scoring major long distance operator with nine out of 10 Virgin passengers satisfied overall with their last journey. The combination of new trains, renewed track and more frequent services are luring more passengers to the railway and keeping them happy."


The National Passenger Survey can be viewed here:
http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp

Virgin Trains leads the pack in latest national rail survey (Manchester)

The latest national passenger survey shows Virgin Trains is once again rated as best long-distance franchise operator for overall satisfaction and value for money.

Carried out twice a year by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, the National Passenger Survey is a key marker of train operating companies' performance.

For the second survey in a row, passengers gave Virgin Trains the highest rating of any long-distance franchise operator when asked about how satisfied they were with their overall journey - 90% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’.

For the sixth survey in a row, passengers rated Virgin Trains as offering the best value-for-money of any long-distance franchise operator - 63% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ’good’.

Virgin Trains’ improving punctuality is also reflected in the results, with the company tying for top place among long-distance franchisees as 89% of passengers gave ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ ratings.

Chris Walton, Virgin Trains General Manager based at Manchester said: "To see that our customers consistently rate us so highly is a fantastic boost for everyone who helps us deliver our service.

"We only get such high ratings by constantly improving our service, so we’ve also looked at the fine detail of the survey for areas where we need to do better. We don’t score so highly on issues relating to the state of stations, so we’re campaigning for more freedom to carry out improvements ourselves rather than relying on our landlords Network Rail.

"Virgin Trains brought a fresh approach to the rail industry when we won the West Coast franchise in 1997. The current franchise ends in 2012, and we’ll be bringing our typically customer-focussed approach to bidding for the next franchise."

Commenting on the results of the survey, Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, said: "The power of investment in the railways is clear. Virgin Trains has motored ahead as the top scoring major long distance operator with nine out of 10 Virgin passengers satisfied overall with their last journey. The combination of new trains, renewed track and more frequent services are luring more passengers to the railway and keeping them happy."


The National Passenger Survey can be viewed here:
http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp

Virgin Trains leads the pack in latest national rail survey (West Midlands)

The latest national passenger survey shows Virgin Trains is once again rated as best long-distance franchise operator for overall satisfaction and value for money.

Carried out twice a year by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, the National Passenger Survey is a key marker of trains operating companies' performance.

For the second survey in a row, passengers gave Virgin Trains the highest rating of any long-distance franchise operator when asked about how satisfied they were with their overall journey - 90% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’.

For the sixth survey in a row, passengers rated Virgin Trains as offering the best value-for-money of any long-distance franchise operator - 63% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ’good’.

Virgin Trains’ improving punctuality is also reflected in the results, with the company tying for top place among long-distance franchisees as 89% of passengers gave ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ ratings.

Gary Iddon, Virgin Trains General Manager based at Wolverhampton said: "To see that our customers consistently rate us so highly is a fantastic boost for everyone who helps us deliver our service.

"We only get such high ratings by constantly improving our service, so we’ve also looked at the fine detail of the survey for areas where we need to do better. We don’t score so highly on issues relating to the state of stations, so we’re campaigning for more freedom to carry out improvements ourselves rather than relying on our landlords Network Rail.

"Virgin Trains brought a fresh approach to the rail industry when we won the West Coast franchise in 1997. The current franchise ends in 2012, and we’ll be bringing our typically customer-focussed approach to bidding for the next franchise."

Commenting on the results of the survey, Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, said: "The power of investment in the railways is clear. Virgin Trains has motored ahead as the top scoring major long distance operator with nine out of 10 Virgin passengers satisfied overall with their last journey. The combination of new trains, renewed track and more frequent services are luring more passengers to the railway and keeping them happy."

The National Passenger Survey can be viewed here:
http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp

Virgin Trains leads the pack in latest national rail survey (Euston)

The latest national passenger survey shows Virgin Trains is once again rated as best long-distance franchise operator for overall satisfaction and value for money.

Carried out twice a year by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, the National Passenger Survey is a key marker of train operating companies' performance.

For the second survey in a row, passengers gave Virgin Trains the highest rating of any long-distance franchise operator when asked about how satisfied they were with their overall journey - 90% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’.

For the sixth survey in a row, passengers rated Virgin Trains as offering the best value-for-money of any long-distance franchise operator - 63% of those questioned rated Virgin Trains as ‘satisfactory’ or ’good’.

Virgin Trains’ improving punctuality is also reflected in the results, with the company tying for top place among long-distance franchisees as 89% of passengers gave ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ ratings.

Todd Graham, Virgin Trains General Manager for Euston said: "To see that our customers consistently rate us so highly is a fantastic boost for everyone who helps us deliver our service.

"We only get such high ratings by constantly improving our service, so we’ve also looked at the fine detail of the survey for areas where we need to do better. We don’t score so highly on issues relating to the state of stations, so we’re campaigning for more freedom to carry out improvements ourselves rather than relying on our landlords Network Rail.

"Virgin Trains brought a fresh approach to the rail industry when we won the West Coast franchise in 1997. The current franchise ends in 2012, and we’ll be bringing our typically customer-focussed approach to bidding for the next franchise."

Commenting on the results of the survey, Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, said: "The power of investment in the railways is clear. Virgin Trains has motored ahead as the top scoring major long distance operator with nine out of 10 Virgin passengers satisfied overall with their last journey. The combination of new trains, renewed track and more frequent services are luring more passengers to the railway and keeping them happy."

The National Passenger Survey can be viewed here: http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp