BETTER value rail fares are the number one priority for passengers, new research by Passenger Focus revealed yesterday.

A study by the rail watchdog found that travellers also wanted a seat, extra and more punctual trains and better information on delays.

The survey of 3,500 passengers found that other items on their wish list included faster journey times and free Wi-Fi.

Rail union RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The hard reality is that while profits are put before people on Britain’s privatised railways there is not a cat in hell’s chance of passengers getting decent value, capacity to meet increasing demand or the guarantee of a seat unless the racketeering and exploitation is brought to an end.

“With the British paying the highest fares in Europe to travel on some of the most unreliable and overcrowded trains, the dream of a fair deal and a decent service will remain just that unless the public demand for an end to privatisation is honoured by the political elite.”