Rail users are dissatisfied with the information provided by train companies when services are delayed and cancelled, according to new research.

“Passengers need information as quickly as possible – ideally before leaving home,” said Anthony Smith, the chief executive of Passenger Focus, the watchdog behind the findings.

“Only 17 per cent knew about the disruption before arriving at the station.”

He said train companies needed to make sure they were ahead of the “information game” and give passengers “frank and honest messages”.

“For instance, a fallen tree across a railway is just that, not an ‘obstruction’,” he added.

“Passengers told the full reasons for the delay are likely to be less frustrated than those who are not.”

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