NORTHERN Rail has just announced its latest performance figures for April, showing this month was the train operator’s best month since the start of its franchise in 2004.

This period, 95.26 per cent of services departed and arrived on time in line with the industry’s performance and punctuality measure.

Northern, a Serco and Abellio joint venture, has consistently driven and improved levels of performance and punctuality since the start of its franchise 10 years ago.

Alex Hynes, managing director of Northern Rail, said: “What a result to celebrate. It’s a franchise best for us and a direct outcome of the incredibly dedicated teams which operate across our entire network.

“They have come together to achieve one goal – improving our customers’ journey, something we know performance plays a big part in.

“We face many challenges every day on the railway and it’s our partnership approach with Network Rail and other operators and partners that ensures the smooth running of services.”