The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has named Hull Trains the most reliable UK rail operator, based on data for the four-week period to 16 September.

The ORR is the government department responsible for regulating and monitoring the performance of National Highways, including rail. The data is contained in its most recent report, and shows that only one percent of Hull Trains’ services were affected by cancellation, the lowest figure amongst all train operating companies in the UK.

Many operators across the country have cancelled trains due to a range of circumstances. Hull Trains, which is an open-access operator owned by FirstGroup, has managed to keep cancellations and disruption to a minimum, and runs reliable direct services to London King’s Cross from stations including Hull, Selby, Retford, Howden, Grantham and Doncaster.

Hull Trains’ Class 802 train fleet is also currently the most reliable Hitachi AT300 type fleet in the country.

The operator is planning to improve onboard services, offering locally-sourced snacks and hot and cold drinks to standard class passengers by the end of this year. This move has created new job roles, including nine extra on-board hosts and three service centre assistants.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Hull Trains said: “This an incredible achievement for Hull Trains. There have been so many circumstances that have affected the reliability of some rail services, many out of the operator’s control, so for Hull Trains to maintain vital transport links during the same period shows our commitment to delivering reliable and environmentally friendly services.

“It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Hull Trains team. Whatever the challenge, we continue to deliver for our customers. Whilst this is pleasing news, we will not rest on laurels and will continue to look for new ways to further improve the level of service.”