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West rail franchise extended

First Great Western will continue to operate trains between London and the South West until September 2015, after their franchise was extended.

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First Great Western has west rail franchise extended

First Great Western has had the South West rail franchise extended Credit: PA

FirstGroup's First Great Western train company will keep the franchise to operate trains from London to the South West for another two years.

The Department for Transport said it would last until September 2015.

Under the agreement, passengers will expect to see improvements to services including greater seating and sleeper carriage capacity and an improved wi-fi coverage.

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Train company's contract expected to be extended

It's expected that train passengers in the region will hear tomorrow that First Great Western's contract has been extended for a further two years.

The Government has been forced to extend it after the last round of franchise negotiations collapsed in chaos.

But there are worries that services may be reduced, and there'll be further delays to much needed investment.

John Andrews reports:

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