FirstGroup Plc, which owns the First Great Western franchise, has handed its proposals to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) to take over the franchise currently run by Thames Trains, managing 71 stations and a fleet of 62 trains.

The company is promising better time-keeping and reliability, improved training programmes for its workers, and higher standards of cleanliness and security.

At the end of the two-year franchise, from April 2004 to March 2006, the Thames Train, Wessex Trains and First Great Western franchises are due to be merged.

This competitive process will allow us to choose a company that offers an improved service for passengers and a good deal for taxpayers Nick Newton Managing director SRA

In a statement FirstGroup said: "Our aim is to provide a change in the punctuality and quality of service on the routes at present operated by Thames Trains.

"We will also be able to implement a fundamental restructuring of the timetable on the long distance routes to and from London Paddington."

The new timetable is subject to the company receiving more money. It also plans a new electric service between Paddington and Heathrow Airport.

The current owner of the Thames Trains franchise, Go-Ahead Group Plc, is also expected to bid.

Summer announcement

SRA managing director Nick Newton said of the tender process: "This competitive process will allow us to choose a company that offers an improved service for passengers and a good deal for taxpayers."

The authority, which has the power to shape the number and form of all rail franchises, has decided to create an expanded Greater Western franchise in 2006.

That will combine Great Western, Thames Trains and Wessex Trains, which is run by National Express Group.

The successful bidder will be announced in the summer.