FIRST Great Western managing director Mike Carroll has admitted his company needs to improve the train services it provides for long-suffering passengers.

It is not the first time he has made such an admission.

Customers gathered and slated his firm at a meeting in Swindon last night, which was held as part of an investigation by the Rail Passengers Committee into the first five years of the First Great Western franchise. Mr Carroll said he felt "humbled" by the criticism. Can it really have come as a surprise to him? The company is forever pledging to do better, yet official figures show it to be one of the worst in Britain.

The latest public admission will be welcomed by thousands of commuters but when it comes to contrition, actions speak far louder than words.