Southern Rail has the least satisfied passengers in England, according to a watchdog's report.

Despite a three per cent increase in overall satisfaction since last year, figures show the railway company to have the lowest satisfaction score at 72 per cent, followed by Thameslink (75 per cent), Southeastern (81 per cent) and Great Western Railway (81 per cent).

The latest National Rail Passenger Survey, published by Transport Focus today, measured satisfaction of more than 27,000 passengers.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog, said: “Passengers using services in London and the South East have seen an improvement with an increase in overall satisfaction from 79 per cent last year to 82 per cent this year.

“The figures for Southern in particular show a significant recovery in passengers’ experience with a number of factors including the helpfulness and availability of on board staff and also of staff at the station.

“Southeastern also saw their overall satisfaction scores increase by 10 per cent.

“Having said that, there is some way to go to reach a more acceptable position.

“Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Southeastern have the lowest scores. These green shoots are fragile and nurturing. This recovery will be under pressure from upgrade works, industrial relationship problems and rising passenger numbers.

“So the industry needs to keep a relentless, ongoing focus on performance and reliability.”