Nine out of ten Southern trains were on time

The 90 per cent figure for train punctuality is measured by all the trains running daily throughout the year.

The figures also show that the number of train delay minutes to services on the network caused by Southern were at their lowest ever.

Southern says that, added together, these two "huge achievements" are the best punctuality figures since the start of the franchise.

Managing director Chris Burchell said: "This record-breaking performance can only mean further improved services for our passengers.

"Every member of Southern staff has worked extremely hard to focus on delivering a safe, reliable and very punctual railway.

"Despite these excellent results, we still have some way to go to fulfil our ambition of making this a railway known for consistently delivering 100 per cent punctuality."