Queensland Rail Chief Executive Officer Paul Scurrah said he was very humbled to receive the Customer Service Public Company CEO of the Year accolade, particularly after such a challenging year at the helm of the business.

"The past 12 months have proved eventful for Queensland Rail. As we continued to embrace our new identity as Queensland Rail, following our separation from QR National, we - like many throughout Queensland - were devastated by the floods. But with adversity comes triumph and I am incredibly proud of how our organisation pulled together during that period to get our network up and running in record time.”

Queensland Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated Mr Scurrah saying it was due recognition for leading a first class rail network.

"Queensland Rail continues to lead the way in innovation and customer service," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"In June, they bought in the largest revamp of train timetables in 15 years with public consultation for stage two kicking off next month. They've sought to improve people's experience on trains with the successful introduction of several initiatives, such as Quiet Carriages, the Customer Charter, the trial of free WiFi and the continuing take-up of go cards."

Mr Scurrah said the CSIA awards were fantastic recognition of the hard work and dedication put in by all of Queensland Rail's employees, to keep the state moving.

“At Queensland Rail, we are not content to rest on our laurels, particularly when it comes to Customer Service Excellence. I am proud of all of the people at Queensland Rail for continuing to deliver great service to both their colleagues and customers during such difficult times,” he said.

Following successful certification under the International Customer Service Standard in September, Queensland Rail qualified as a competitor in the organisation category of the Awards.

CSIA Executive Director Brett Whitford said Queensland Rail's successful ICSS certification confirmed their position in the top echelon of rated organisations.

"Queensland Rail's performance for 2011 was another excellent result for a well-credentialed organisation. What we encountered with this assessment was an extraordinary level of leadership and willingness of Queensland Rail staff to embrace customer service as a way of life,” Mr Whitford said.

"In the past year, Queensland Rail has identified opportunities for growth and improvement through the adoption of best practice techniques, and the development of their own customer service improvements."

Queensland Rail had 12 nominations in this year's CSIA Awards, with various business areas collecting awards in both State and National categories.