Merseyrail has once again been recognised as the best-performing regional railway in the UK, securing the prestigious Golden Whistle Award for punctuality and operational excellence for the eighth year in a row.
Organised by the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) in partnership with Modern Railways, the awards highlight operators that deliver exceptional reliability and customer service across the national network.
At a ceremony held in Central London, Merseyrail was officially named the UK’s most reliable regional railway, a title that reflects the consistent operational success and dedication of teams across the Liverpool City Region.
Operating more than 600 trains daily across 69 stations, Merseyrail continues to deliver one of the most punctual and dependable rail services in the country, combined with some of the most affordable fares in the UK.
This long-standing commitment to reliability is underscored by the operator’s 93% customer satisfaction rating in the Transport Focus Rail Customer Experience Survey, one of the highest scores recorded in the industry.
The award serves as a testament to the network’s ability to maintain high performance standards despite the complexities of modern rail travel.
Consistent Performance and Customer Satisfaction
The award is based on rigorous operational data, confirming Merseyrail’s position at the top of the national league tables.
This level of consistency is a primary driver behind the high levels of trust from the 90,000 passengers who use the service each weekday.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director at Merseyrail, expressed his pride in the network’s sustained success, stating:
“Winning the Golden Whistle for the eighth consecutive year is a remarkable achievement for our network and our people.
“It speaks to the care and dedication our teams take to show in their work every single day.
“We are proud to serve the Liverpool City Region, and we will continue working hard to deliver a reliable and welcoming railway for the communities we serve.”
A Leader in Accessibility and Family Travel
This latest honour is just one of several recent high-profile awards for the operator.
Merseyrail has been named the UK’s most family-friendly rail company for the past two years, achieving industry-leading scores for station accessibility and level boarding.
It also received two National Rail Awards in 2025, including recognition as a “Great Place to Work” and for its pioneering approach to accessibility with its new fleet of Class 777 trains.
Neil Grabham further noted the importance of inclusive travel earlier this year:
“We’re proud that Merseyrail has once again been recognised as the UK’s most family-friendly railway.
“This underlines our commitment to ensuring we deliver services that make every day journeys easier, safer and more inclusive for families.
“From level boarding to dedicated buggy spaces and tailored support at every station, we’re focused on delivering a network that meets the needs of our customers and is at the heart of the communities we serve.”
Beyond the silverware, Merseyrail’s continued operational success plays a vital role in supporting the economic growth and connectivity of the wider Liverpool City Region, ensuring the local rail network remains a benchmark for the rest of the country.
