WEYMOUTH and Dorchester train passengers will be among those to benefit from a new rail alliance.

Train company South West Trains and infrastructure operator Network Rail yesterday announced the launch of a new alliance with the aim of delivering better rail services in the south and south-west of England.

The ‘deep alliance’, which is a first for the UK rail industry, will see focus on reduced delays, better customer service and more efficient working.

It is also expected to benefit rail freight operators who use the Wessex route.

Sir Brian Souter, chief executive of Stagecoach Group, the parent company of South West Trains, said: “This new model is a real opportunity to deliver change that will benefit both passengers and taxpayers and support our objective of growing the railway. “Safety will continue to be our top priority and will remain at the core of the way we run the railway.

“By working more closely with Network Rail than ever before, and with aligned incentives, we can deliver a more customer-focused and more efficient railway for the long-term.”

The new single senior joint management team now has responsibility for both trains and track on the route operating out of London Waterloo.

The alliance is planned to run until February 4, 2017, the expiry date of the South West Trains franchise agreement.