Anger over rising fares, more delays and overcrowding have contributed to commuters’ dissatisfaction

Ministers are considering a major review of Britain’s railways to rebuild confidence in the privatised network.

The franchising system, fares and the operation of Network Rail are set to be part of the review. It would be designed to seize the initiative on rail reforms from Labour, which has popular support for its plan to renationalise the railways.

Discussions over the plan are at an early stage and it has not yet been decided if the review should be led by an independent figurehead. Theresa May is thought to be contemplating whether an overall inquiry would be more effective than looking at separate issues affecting the industry.

Separately, Network Rail has announced a major upgrade of a 100-mile stretch of the east coast mainline, including