SATISFACTION among Northern rail passengers is up to 83 per cent, according to a new survey.

The latest figures released from Transport Focus’ national rail passenger survey show improved figures for the operator, which runs trains through Bolton.

As well as the overall increase in customer satisfaction, 86 per cent of those surveyed were satisfied with the speed of their journeys.

Jeff Davies, chairman of the Bolton Rail Users Group, is pleased with Northern’s efforts to improve its services.

He said: “Northern has a big job on its hands to put things right after 15 years of no investment.

“But they are tackling it with commitment and have a really good spirit about them. I am hoping that we have a really good future to look forward to.”

Major improvements works are currently under way to electrify the Manchester to Preston line, and to bring Bolton rail station’s platform five back into use.

The quality of stations was also scrutinised in the survey, in which 89 per cent of participants were happy with the provision of on-station information and 83 per cent with ticketing facilities.

Richard Allan, customer and people experience director at Northern, said: “It is encouraging that many of our scores are improving and we have firm plans in areas where customers want improvement, such as better stations and free WiFi on trains.

“The first of our refurbished trains are in service, the first new trains are being built, and new facilities are being built at many smaller stations. There is much more to come over the next three years as we modernise local rail services for the North.”

Northern is promising to deliver a new fleet of trains by 2020, all of which will be equipped with free wi-fi.

Changes since Arriva Rail North took over the Northern franchise last April have included installing ticket gates at many stations.