Rail improvements for commuters

Commuters in the Thames Valley are to benefit from major improvements to train services, according to the rail governing body.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) says that following First Great Western's takeover of the Thames Train franchise, the timetable would be radically revised.

Changes include 20% more seats available on rush hour commuter trains through Reading and the cutting of journey times from Oxford to London.

The SRA also promised that there would be a 7% increase in the number of trains arriving at their destinations on time.

The SRA said that since just one company was responsible for train services in the area, inefficiencies could be eliminated and train times improved.

Nicola Shaw, managing director of operations for the SRA, said: "This is exactly what the SRA has been working towards: better, quicker, more reliable services for passengers without the disruption and cost of major infrastructure works."

FirstGroup which owns First Great Western will be responsible for the Thames Trains franchise from 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2006.