The new managing director of a train operator has announced plans to make rail services more reliable and consistent.

David Statham, of First Capital Connect, has put in place new initiatives to improve punctuality, the travelling environment and service information.

The train operator will also work with Network Rail to improve the reliability of power supplies and signalling across the train network after failures badly affected passengers during the winter.

Mr Statham said the main improvement needs to be made to rail network after 63 per cent of delays stemmed from faulty infrastructure.

He said: “My determination as the new managing director of First Capital Connect is to put our passengers at the heart of our business.

“Research tells us people want improved punctuality, a better, cleaner travelling environment and spot-on service information when services aren’t running to plan.

“We’ve already increased capacity on our trains by up to 29 per cent, invested millions in new station facilities and cut the level of crime on our network by 37 per cent.

“But we now need to help Network Rail so that we have fewer signal, track and power failures, overhaul our train cleaning regimes and improve further the service information we provide and the way we help people reach their destinations when there is disruption.”

Phil Verster, the route managing director for London, North East and East Midlands for Network Rail, said the industry must work together to tackle the problems affecting customers.

He said: “Only by working together as an industry can we tackle some of the problems that have been affecting passengers.

“The extra access First Capital Connect is providing will allow us to replace equipment and improve reliability.”