THE damaging impact of new train timetables has been demonstrated in the latest punctuality figures.

Thameslink, which runs rail services from Brighton to London, saw more than a third (36 per cent) of trains fail to hit the punctuality target, compared with 18 per cent in the same period last year.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling was accused of "personally propping up" failing rail franchises by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on Sunday amid reports that Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) – which includes Thameslink and Great Northern – could be about to lose its contract.

A series of failures have been blamed for causing the chaos, including Network Rail's late approval of the new timetables and delayed electrification projects, poor planning by train operators and the decision by transport ministers to phase in the introduction of new services.

GTR said: "Services on Southern have been performing much better since the introduction of the new timetable. Meanwhile, on Thameslink and Great Northern we are working hard with the Department for Transport and Network Rail to bring in a new, interim timetable that will give certainty and improved services."