Rail passenger groups have welcomed a planned massive overhaul of South West train services.

Rail chiefs have announced there will be a shake-up of the rail franchise policy from 2006.

That will result in improved rail services and new trains.

Rail Passengers Committee spokesman Shaun O'Neil said the changes should improve investment in the rail network, but it was vital tough conditions were set on the new franchises.

Rail franchises will receive shake-up from 2006

"South West rail passengers will notice the difference for sure," he said.

"But whether those changes are positive will depend on the conditions put in the franchises, in terms of necessary safeguards on levels of service.

"The devil is in the detail," he added.

"We will be fighting hard to make sure the terms and conditions on which the franchises are based serve the passenger and serve the South West."

Franchises merging

As part of the Strategic Rail Authority proposals, a new Greater Western franchise will be established by 2006.

That will be created by merging the current Great Western, Thames and Wessex Trains franchises, with the winner being the only operator out of Paddington station.

Stagecoach will only run the South West Trains routes until February 2007, rather than getting a new 20-year franchise as originally planned.

South West Trains will provide new trains and extra services, including additional Sunday and evening journeys.

Plans welcomed

They will also be the sole operator of domestic services in and out of London's Waterloo station, and the Waterloo to Exeter route will be retained.

A new South West franchise will then be created, which South West Trains can bid for if they wish.

Claire Gibson, of the South West Regional Development Agency, warmly welcomed the plans.

"Not only is it good news for passengers travelling in and out of the region, but it will also have a positive knock-on effect for business, leisure and tourism," she said.

"Passengers can now expect a higher quality and more reliable service."