NORTHERN Rail has won the national Transport Operator of the Year award.

The company, which operates trains in East Lancashire on the Colne-Blackpool, York-Blackpool and Clitheroe-Manchester lines, received the honour in the rail category at the National Transport Awards.

Judges praised the way Northern had improved performance and reliability and its success in attracting 38 per cent more passengers since the start of the franchise in 2004.

But rail campaigners have hit out at the judges’ decision claiming the service is not worthy of the top award.

Alan Benson, secretary of the Save the East Lancashire Line Association, said overcrowding, cancelled trains and poor toilet facilities were still on-going problems.

Professor David Begg, chairman of the judging panel, said: “Northern’s franchise is unrecognisable from the original ‘steady state’, with no growth, no station investment and no rolling stock, it was supposed to be. Reliability of its fleet has improved by 45 per cent, and Northern provides its passengers with real value for money.”

But Mr Benson said: “It has got worse, not better. There is a new tannoy system at each station but passengers aren’t told when trains are late or not coming.

“There is only one toilet on a two carriage train and some are locked or out of order.

“During the school summer holidays, the York to Blackpool trains are overcrowded.”

David Sidebottom, director of Passenger Focus, the independent public body set up by the government to protect the interests of passengers, said: “The National Passenger Survey, which is the largest piece of published rail passenger research in Europe, reveals Northern Rail’s overall satisfaction rating falls slightly below the national average.

“While it’s good that the rail industry recognises Northern Rail’s efforts it’s also important that they continue to keep a close eye on their performance as the survey also shows significant drops in satisfaction with punctuality, reliability and the ability to get a seat.”

Ian Bevan, managing director of Northern Rail, said: “This is the second time we have won this award. We are delighted to be recognised for our efforts.

“This is the second time we have won this award in the last four years and we are delighted to be recognised for our efforts in this industry."