Delays are soaring, with performance getting worse in 17 of the 23 rail franchises

Commuters face misery as two of Britain’s busiest rail operators, South Western and Greater Anglia, are set to break promises to provide new train services to ease overcrowding and cut journey times.

The revelation, which follows a row between train company bosses and Network Rail, is the latest setback for passengers as fears grow about the financial stability of a number of operators.

Critics say four franchises could collapse by the end of the year in addition to Virgin East Coast, which is set to end in weeks after running out of cash.

It comes as a Sunday Times investigation of Britain’s rail network can reveal:

■ Delays are soaring across the network, with performance getting worse in 17 of Britain’s 23 rail franchises. On