Faster journeys for commuters on South West Trains: free wi-fi at stations and extra peak-time seats promised on routes through Reading, Windsor and Bracknell

London-bound commuters on South West Trains have something to smile about.

Hong Kong rail operator MTR has been awarded the franchise to help run the service for seven years, and faster journeys from the south coast are being promised on a fleet of 90 new and refurbished trains with air conditioning.

Other improvements will include free wi-fi at stations and 30,000 extra seats on peak-time trains into Waterloo, the country's busiest station, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment with five former Eurostar platforms being brought back into use.

Reading and Windsor routes will be first to benefit, and the service upgrade is expected to boost "ugly duckling" postwar commuter towns such as Bracknell, where a £750 million town centre makeover is bringing 1,000 new homes, a main square, a precinct with 60 new shops, two department stores and a cinema.

In the nearby village of Binfield, in Bracknell Forest, Jardin is a scheme of 24 new houses being built in the original walled kitchen garden of a listed Georgian mansion. Prices start at £399,950. Call 01344 753 110.

Also new to Binfield is Amen Corner, a development of 377 apartments and houses priced from £359,995. Call Bellway on 0333 202 5181.