A new timetable introduced by FGW has been heavily criticised by passengers and local MPs who described it as "an unmitigated disaster".

No deal was agreed at the summit and there is now a call for the company to face penalty fines over its service.

FGW said it had listened and was now trying to improve its performance.

I don't think First Great Western have really taken on board the level of unhappiness out there MP Richard Benyon

Richard Rowland, FGW regional manager, told BBC News: "What we've been able to do since the 11 December, following our review, is make a number of changes which we are introducing on Monday.

"And that's increasing the number of services from Oxford - that increases the capacity available from Didcot, and also Twyford and Maidenhead.

"And also following today, what we have agreed with the MPs is to increase the capacity from the Newbury to Reading line and that we'll be doing that as soon as we can which is going to be around about April."

But Ed Vaizey, Conservative MP for Wantage and Didcot said the meeting had been "a complete waste of time".

"There were nine or 10 MPs in the room representing the commuters of the Thames Valley from all parties. We really didn't get anywhere."

'Chronic overcrowding'

Richard Benyon, Conservative MP for Newbury, agreed no progress had been.

"I don't feel that we're any further forward. I don't think First Great Western have really taken on board the level of unhappiness out there.

"Inflation busting fare increase, staggering overcrowding, fewer trains - it's just a really sorry tale for thousands of passengers."

Martin Salter, MP for Reading West, claimed people were leaving the railways in droves because of "chronic overcrowding".

"We can't hold out any realistic prospect of improvement for our constituents until April or May at the earliest."