We have made significant progress since we started operating in December 2004. Our achievements include:

• Punctuality – the number of trains on time – has improved from 83% in the year to December 2004 to around 88% in the year to July 2007.
• The number of passengers travelling with Northern has risen by 20% in less than three years to 77 million – more than double the 33 million passengers carried by British Airways!
• We have invested more than £18m in improvements to train depots, stations, ticket retailing systems and other facilities that have a direct or indirect benefit to passengers.
• In addition, we have instigated and lead partnerships with key stakeholders to attract further investment of at least £80m, some of it from outside the rail or transport field.
• We are being recognised for our partnership ethos and flair in delivering improvements for passengers. We won the Rural Award for Excellence at the Business in the Community 2007 awards and the Public Transport Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards 2007.