An extra 40 train services a day will run in the West Midlands when new franchises are awarded, Ministers have promised.

Transport Minister Derek Twigg invited passengers to tell the Government what they want from the region's rail service, at the launch of a public consultation yesterday.

The consultation will help determine which services train operators are expected to run, when bidding for franchises begins later this year.

A major shake up of the Midlands rail network is under way, with the merger of the long-distance Silverlink County services and the local services currently provided by Central Trains, to create a new West Midlands franchise.

Mr Twigg said there would be more trains, running more o ften, thanks partly to improvements to the West Coast Main Line which has cost £7.6 billion.

But he confirmed the Government was pressing ahead with plans to scrap the "poorly used" Wolverhampton to Walsall service.

There had been concern the Cross City line, from Lichfield to Redditch via Birmingham New Street, would also be axed but Mr Twigg said the service was safe.

Proposed improvements include an additional hourly service between Manchester and Birmingham, calling at Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stone and Stoke-on-Trent.

Services between Birmingham and Northampton will be increased to give a half-hourly service all day long.

The consultation also proposes that the future operator of the franchise should consider introducing more flexible tickets, instead of the current system which forces visitors to travel at specific times of day.

They should also ensure improved security at the busiest stations.

Mr Twigg said: "This is an important franchise and it is entirely right that we consult on the services it provides.

"If these proposals go ahead, passengers will further benefit from the investment we have made in the West Coast Main Line.

"Bidders for the franchise will have to demonstrate how they will deliver extra services on busy routes, build on recent performance improvements and meet the growing demand for rail travel across the franchise area."

A spokesman for CentroPTA said: "We will be making representations about the decision to end the Wolverhampton to Walsall service.

"However it appears other commuter services will not be cut, which is good news.

"The Government has acknowledged that bidders must prepare bids on the basis that passenger numbers are going to grow."

Wolverhampton MP Rob Marris (Lab Wolverhampton South West) said he was disappointed that services to Walsall were being axed.

He said: "My initial reaction is that this is a mistake because I don't believe the service has ever been marketed properly so there may be more potential passengers out there.

"What the Department should be doing is looking at the West Midlands network as a whole, to see if it is profitable and socially worthwhile, rather then focusing on individual lines."

Rail operators are expected to submit bids before February 2007 and the winner will be announced next summer.