JUST not good enough.

That was the verdict of Hampshire passengers in a poll carried out by watchdog Passenger Focus.

A paltry 33 per cent think rail fares are value for money.

As reported in January, commuters were left stunned after finding they were facing hikes of more than £220 for their annual ticket to London.

The survey also found only 38 per cent were happy with their seating, which during rush hour sees many passengers standing before and after a day’s work.

South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance has today said it was improving it services But when it came to key areas the results of the passengers’ poll were also poor.

Just 45 per cent were satisfied with the way train companies deal with delays and 53 per cent with staff helpfulness.

Other areas of concern were car parking, with 50 per cent happy with provision and a mere 30 per cent were pleased with onboard toilet facilities.

In all these areas South West Train lagged behind the average national score.

But Tim Shoveller, Managing Director for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance, said: “We know the majority of our customers are satisfied with their service, but we accept we have more work to do and we are absolutely focused on making journeys better.“We understand the impact that even the smallest delays can have on our passengers, and we are working hard to get even better.

He added: “The introduction of dozens of extra carriages will make a significant difference to passengers and will enable us to provide a 10-car railway on some of our busiest routes.”

South West Trains also insisted that its tickets were good value for money, particularity into London.

On time Passenger Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “Given that performance is the key factor that underpins most passengers’ general view of the railway, train companies and Network Rail must keep striving to get more trains on time.”

David Mapp, commercial director at the Association of Train Operating Companies, said: “Train companies know that to be successful they must meet the needs of passengers and deliver high levels of satisfaction and value for money.

“While these results show that there is room for improvement, passengers are voting with their feet and taking more journeys than at any time since the 1920s on newer trains, with more services arriving punctually.”