ONLY two out of three trains coming through Swindon are on time.

The latest figures have been released by the Strategic Rail Authority and show that First Great Western's punctuality record is getting worse last year 74 per cent of trains were on time, compared to only 66 per cent this year. The national average is 81 per cent.

The figures cover the period from July to September.

But First Great Western says most of the delays were caused by track defects or repair work.

It says delays caused by a shortage of staff or other areas that the company can control have decreased.

Managing director Chris Kinchin-Smith said: "It's extremely disappointing that factors outside our direct control, such as infrastructure problems have overshadowed the real steps forward that FGW has made."

FGW is just below average compared to other long-distance operators, which have 67 per cent of trains running on time.

Sean O'Neill, the secretary of the Rail Passengers Council South West, which covers Swindon, said unpublished figures broke down the reasons for delays and that First Great Western's performance was improving.

He said: "It's a disappointingly sharp drop, especially as season tickets were increased this week.

"But First Great Western has now got enough drivers and has improved their mechanical performance.

"But, from the passengers' point of view, a delay is still a delay and passengers don't make a difference between a Network Rail delay and a FGW delay."

This week FGW announced season tickets and saver tickets would increase by 4.1 per cent in the New Year. Money will go to the Strategic Rail Authority, which will use it for track improvements.