Train passengers irked by delays will now be able to see more detailed figures about their service under changes aimed at making the UK rail industry the most transparent in Europe.

The Rail Delivery Group, which brings together train companies and Network Rail, said train companies would now publish the proportion of trains arriving early, within a minute of their scheduled time, and within three minutes.

The present requirement means short- and long-distance trains are considered ‘on time’ if they are five or 10 minutes late, respectively. The new data means customers will be able to see more detail on how train companies are performing.

Alex Hayman, Which? managing director of public markets, said this could be a "positive first step for passengers but only if it results in rail companies making making more trains run on time".