Train passengers should receive special compensation for delays caused by breakdowns of new trains, a report from MPs said yesterday.

Many of the 2,000 new trains that had entered service since privatisation had suffered severe reliability problems, the Commons public accounts committee said.

Committee chairman Edward Leigh said the Department for Transport must now take on responsibility for ensuring value for money.

"The difficulties faced in bringing new trains into service epitomised a fragmented rail industry lacking real leadership," he said.