Punctuality and Reliability

[ACustomer]

I see that IE now have June-July performance statistics on their website. While we are all aware of timetable padding, lax criteria for "punctuality" etc, the data are revealing when it comes to comparative performance.

Most routes show 92 to 93% punctuality, including Dublin-Cork. Belfast wins the booby prize at 83%. However the star performer is the Waterford line, with 98.6% punctuality and 100% reliability.

The Waterford line is mostly single, it now has 8 incercity services each way with the consequent increases in crossings at loops. Moreover, the timings seem to be quite fast relative to recent years (some down trains are 2h 23 minutes with 7 en route stops).

Which raises some questions: if the Waterford line can operate to nearly 99% punctuality, what lessons can be learned so that similar levels of performance can be delivered on other lines?

Edit: I had an impression from the real-time arrivals indicator that Waterford trains were unusually good performers: nice to see it confirmed.