A new rail watchdog will be established to represent passengers and hold train operators accountable, as part of sweeping reforms announced by the government.

The independent body will work alongside Great British Railways (GBR), a new organisation that aims to unite track and train operations under one roof for the first time.

The watchdog will have powers to investigate persistent problems, set service standards, and refer poor performance to regulators for enforcement.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Passengers have put up with broken railways for far too long. This landmark reform will sweep away decades of failure, creating a Great British Railways passengers can rely on."

The reforms aim to address long-standing issues including timetable disruptions, complex ticketing, and poor service quality.

The watchdog will focus on problems that consistently generate the most passenger complaints and will have authority to arbitrate when passengers are unsatisfied with complaint handling.

Regional leaders have welcomed the plans. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described it as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul how the railways are run – creating a service that puts passengers first, with more reliable trains and simpler fares and tickets."

The government has already begun implementing some changes, including expanding Pay As You Go ticketing and working with local authorities to integrate regional transport systems.

The recently passed Public Ownership Act is expected to save up to £150 million annually, which will be reinvested in the railway network.

Laura Shoaf, Chair of Shadow Great British Railways, said the plans "will mean a better railway for everyone that uses it, allowing industry to work closer together, putting passengers and customers first and providing better value for money for taxpayers."

The government is now consulting on how GBR will work with the industry to implement these reforms.