A SURVEY by the North-East Rail Passengers Committee (RPC) has found that lack of information at train stations is the biggest bugbear for travellers.

The rail users watchdog, which is based in York, quizzed passengers using the region's train network.

Only 28 per cent of those questioned said that information while waiting for trains was excellent or good.

Comments included "announcements are abysmal", "they don't tell you until it's too late" and "passengers are not communicated with".

Most passengers appreciated the efforts of station staff with 56 per cent rating courtesy as good or excellent. Frequency of trains was rated highly by just over 50 per cent.

But many passengers commented on poor time keeping, train cancellations and uncertainty about connections between services.

Jim Beale, chairman of the North-East RPC, said: "As well as seeking passengers views we aimed to give them an opportunity to meet members of the committee and its staff.

"If the RPC is to work successfully to improve the state of rail services then it is vital that it receives intelligence from rail users."