A rail boss has attempted to reassure passengers that changes to the Weymouth-Waterloo service will bring about improvements for Dorset residents.

Andy Mellors, the soon-to-be managing director of the South Western rail franchise for operator First MTR South Western Limited, said that any compromises made will be to the overall benefit of passengers.

This comes after news that the number of direct train services between Weymouth and London Waterloo could be halved by the new operator – a proposal which met with opposition from passengers and campaigners.

The franchise is currently run by South West Trains (Stagecoach). The new operators take over on August 20. Mr Mellors said: “We are going to be building on the great foundations that Stagecoach has left us.”

Instead of a two hourly service from Weymouth to Waterloo, there will be one hourly fast service to Waterloo plus a local stopping service from Weymouth to Portsmouth, which Mr Mellors said would be best for helping to deliver local economic growth. 

Also, announcing that the new operator would invest £90 million of its £1.2 billion investment in the franchise on improving station facilities, Mr Mellors said the firm was keen to focus the funds on run-down stations, though he did not guarantee any funding for Weymouth and Dorchester.

Mr Mellors likewise would not be drawn on the controversial question of whether the promised second staff member on board each train would be a train guard, as many have called for.

He said: “We have already said that we plan to retain the second person on board our trains. We know customers found the second person on board useful and that is why we are retaining that second person.”

However, Mr Mellors did hint that stops at smaller stations along the Weymouth to London Waterloo line could cease as part of the plans. 

He said: “We will make some proposals where stops are planning to be removed.”

These proposals will be included as part of a consultation on various changes the operator wishes to make to the franchise, which will start next month.

He added: “We are very keen to get input from customers and stakeholders.”

In terms of concern over trains running on schedule, Mr Mellors suggested that this issue would be at the top of the operator’s list of priorities, so as to “deliver the promised timetable.”

He said: “One of the very early priorities for my team will be on the operational performance.”

He added that among the perks First MTR South Western Limited would try to introduce would be more flexible season tickets for people who don’t have to commute five days a week.

It also hopes to introduce free Wifi at stations from next year.