National train performance has taken a turn for the better after several months of decline.

Although most of the figures published last year were higher than those for 2010, performance slipped regularly down to a low of 88.4% in period 9.

This news is a welcome change, and could spell the recovery of train performance. Disruption continues to cause problems on the railway, from extreme weather conditions, fatalities and cable thefts, but it is up to the rail industry to improve reaction to these.

If some franchises are able to consistently provide good performance, then so should the rest. Bad luck can only account for so much.