RAIL commuters have been promised better services from Swindon under a deal to set up a new 'super' train operator.

The move will see a single company take-over parts of the rail network now run by First Great Western, First Great Western Link (Thames) and Wessex.

That means trains throughout the area - including services between Swindon, Bristol and London will be the responsibility of one firm, not three.

Announcing the plan yesterday, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling insisted it would result in a less confused, more streamlined and more efficient train system.

The new larger franchise will start next summer, when train firms will be asked to bid for control. Similar changes will be made to other UK train services.