The county council is joining forces with new rail operator London Midland to get a better deal for Hertfordshire train passengers by signing a Quality Rail Partnership - only the third of its kind in the country.

County Councillor Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Rural Affairs, has signed the agreement with London Midland managing director Steve Banaghan.

The Quality Rail Partnership (QRP) aims to provide more dialogue between the county council and London Midland, which serves the west of the county from London Euston.

The QRP, which will last the life of the franchise until September 2015, will consider a priority list of station and access improvements including potential improvement schemes as well as complimenting the existing Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership.

"We're hoping this unique partnership in Hertfordshire will bring benefits to the travelling public," said County Councillor Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Transportation and Environment.

"With 11 train operators providing train services across the county, if this QRP is a success we will consider setting up more in the future."

And Steve Banaghan said: "We are delighted to be co-signatories of the Quality Rail Partnership with Hertfordshire County Council. One of London Midland's key goals is to work in close partnership with key stakeholders, so this is completely consistent with what we want to achieve.

"Both London Midland and Hertfordshire County Council will be working closely together to deliver real improvements to our stations through this agreement."

London Midland has provided services previously operated by Central Trains and Silverlink County since November 11 2007.