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A TfW spokeswoman urged people to check before travelling and said tickets would be accepted by other operators.

TfW would set the routes, timetables and fares with local councils.

But the government said last year the franchise contracts could put TfW "at risk from decreases in passenger fare revenue".

He said TfW, which already runs the rail network, would need to "manage people's expectations".

The plans hope to alleviate overcrowding and improve accessibility for those with reduced mobility, TfW said.