Some journey times are up to 10% longer than in the 1980s

Sir Michael Lickiss, Regional Development Agency

First Great Western's performance has been under investigation by the Rail Passengers Committee in the region.

Its chairman, Christopher Irwin, said: "First Great Western has become the Cinderella main line.

"The message to the SRA is: no transformation, no deal."

The joint statement was issued by the passengers' committee, the development agency and the South West Regional Assembly - made up of councillors from across the region.

Trains upgrade

Bad weather damaged tracks and left much of the region cut off from the rail network, and delivery of a promised �80m fleet of rapid trains has been delayed.

On Wednesday this week, the company announced a �17.8m upgrade of its 36 high speed trains, which link London with South Wales and the South West.

There are demands for station standards to be met

Sir Michael Lickiss said: "We understand the problems faced by First Great Western, but we must have solutions.

"Some journey times are up to 10% longer than in the 1980s.

"There is significant overcrowding at peak periods, and more frequent cancellations through staff or equipment shortages.

"This is having a considerable effect on the region's economy."

He said extending the franchise should give the company time to put improvements in place.

The company has said it would run fast trains between London and Taunton, Exeter, Newton Abbot and Plymouth, with every other train extended to Penzance.

The regional partners also wanted commitments on fares, station standards, information systems and staff training.

They said modern rolling stock should be a condition of any franchise extension.

Chester Long, chair of the Regional Assembly, said: "First Great Western has two years to prove that the customer, not cost-cutting, will come first."