Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin believes the government's new long-term rail industry plans are a major step towards delivering "tangible improvements" to services.

Representatives of the Department for Transport have released details of a new strategy, which will focus heavily on enhancing existing franchising procedures.

To ensure the ambitious plans are followed, an independent group known as the Franchise Advisory Panel will be established.

"In future franchise competitions, we are placing passengers in the driving seat by ensuring that their views and satisfaction levels are taken into account when deciding which companies run our railway services," Mr McLoughlin remarked.

The Franchise Advisory Panel will be chaired by Richard Brown, who said it is encouraging to see greater transparency in the franchising system.

Government officials have received a lot of criticism over botched franchise agreements recently, with the West Coast main line being the most high-profile example of a deal turning sour.

The Public Accounts Committee recently conducted a study that showed this particular fiasco could cost the taxpayer up to £50 million.