Despite inflation busting price hikes and overcrowded late running trains, people have praised South West Trains' service.

Figures released this week from the rail operator show 85 per cent of those polled were satisfied with the overall service they received, even though only 42 per cent felt they were getting value for money.

However, SWT was unable to provide this paper with the figures for the number of people polled.

Windsor Lines Passenger Association chairman Tony Dempsy, which looks after the interests of rail users in the area, said: "We think SWT are doing an excellent job and if you go out and about and sample other places you will know they are.

"The value for money bit is a serious issue and their profits are a bit high. The key issue is to get Government to realise that it is both a private company and a public service."

A spokesman for SWT said: "We're pleased that (value for money) has gone up and it is an improvement on last year.

"We would love it to be 100 per cent but we are pleased it is moving in the right direction."

Further passenger approval jumps included parking facility upgrades, which improved four per cent to 48 per cent which SWT put down to the creation of additional spaces.

New machines were said to be behind the rise in people's opinions on ticket buying facilities which grew from 63 per cent to 65 per cent.

SWT had said by the end of the year each of its stations will have the new machines installed.

While the environment to catch a train has improved two per cent to 68 per cent and personal security at stations has increased from 64 per cent to 65 per cent.

  • What do you think of SWTs service? Post your comments below.