In fact, a recent Ipsos Mori survey of business and transport correspondents found Network Rail to be above the 'line of best fit' on familiarity versus favourability.
This is the product of a better performing railway, but also of a great deal of reputation-building work by Network Rail and train operators to highlight the improvements to the media, politicians, stakeholders and the public.
We are spending a lot of time taking journalists and stakeholders out on to the network to see the improvements for themselves, while our 'Don't Run the Risk' campaign on level crossing safety, and our 'No Messin" campaign aimed at young people, are increasingly showing the company to be a responsible steward of a vital national asset.
So while it is true that complaining about trains remains as British as complaining about the weather, the improvements in journey experience for passengers over the past five years are now very real and people are noticing. We thank Anthony for pointing it out.
Chris Rumfitt, head of external communications, Network Rail.
