SATISFACTION with services on GNER trains has fallen, a new customer survey has shown.

But the view of station facilities provided by the York-based firm remains high.

The latest National Passenger Survey awards GNER an overall satisfaction rating of 87 per cent for autumn 2006 - above the national average of 81.

But most of its on-board ratings have fallen.

There was an eight per cent drop in the number of passengers satisfied with value for money, which fell to 55 per cent, but remained 12 per cent above the national average.

There was also a six per cent drop for provision of information during the journey; a six per cent drop for toilet facilities; and four per cent drops for staff availability and the upkeep of the trains.

Other reductions included cleanliness and luggage space.

GNER spokesman John Gelson said the falling ratings reflected the age and condition of their diesel (HST) trains.

He said: "The HST is a great train, but is in need of updating in many areas, including the on-board toilets.

"These are being overhauled as part of the £15 million rebuild of the interiors of these trains, which is now well under way, with the first train due to enter service in just over a month's time.

"We will also work closely with our on-train cleaning teams to make sure high standards are maintained, and will be looking to improve our rating in this area next time."

On value for money, he said: "We believe we offer better value for money than ever. We are carrying record numbers of passengers - just over 17 million a year - and many more cheaper tickets are available now than ever.

"We have to be competitive on value against our two major competitors, the car and the aeroplane. The reality is that many new passengers are being attracted to travel with us."

Facilities within the 12 stations run by GNER all scored above average ratings.

For information about train times and platforms, the firm achieved 90 per cent satisfaction.

Satisfaction with the upkeep and repair of station buildings and platforms rose by five per cent to 73, while satisfaction on parking facilities rose by eight per cent.

GNER chief executive Jonathan Metcalfe said: "The investment in our stations and in projects like Taxibus in Peterborough has clearly been appreciated, along with other improvements we continue to make.

"But, as ever, there is more to do. The availability of car parking remains a problem, and there is a fall in satisfaction with some areas of the train environment. We expect the forthcoming £30 million rebuild and re-engining of our diesel trains will help us to address this."

Last year, GNER spent £1 million on new platform departure screens at its stations.

Katie Cooper spoke to rail customers at York Station about their experiences of train travel.

Claire Ashworth, of Manchester: "I haven't really noticed any decline in train services, although I normally travel at peak times. The only bad side to train travel is that it is very expensive."

Lucy Horrell, of York: "I use the train fairly regularly and find the service okay.

However, there are lots of delays which are annoying."

Diana Cowland, of York: "In general, I find train travel to be fine. I have only experienced one delay, although I don't use trains very often."

Chris Smith, of Leeds: "I normally travel first class and think Virgin Trains are miles ahead of GNER. They offer a much better service on board. I don't think GNER are anything special."