Commuters could be facing an easier trip to work in future after a regional funding proposal which would see bigger and more frequent trains between Marlow and Maidenhead.

Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP) has agreed to extend its government ‘Growth Deal’ for the county by another £8.8million between 2016 and 2021.

Among the investments, the business-led group plans to improve the rail link to provide a half hourly direct service on the line affectionately known as the ‘Marlow Donkey’.

Richard Porter, membership secretary of pressure group Marlow and Maidenhead Passengers’ Association, said: “They’re planning to put an extra piece of track so they can run a half hourly service to Marlow.

“It will definitely be well used. It’s already well used at the moment, especially during the rush hour, but it would need the extra track and updated signalling.

“It will make the line a lot more attractive, one of the main issues is overcrowding. If it comes to fruition then it’s good news.”

First Great Western, which operates the Marlow to Maidenhead line, would oversee the project and install a section of track at Bourne End to allow two trains an hour to continue to Marlow.

Capacity could be increased if longer trains are able to travel along the entire route.

Currently, during peak times, a shorter Marlow to Bourne End train serves one section of the line and another between Bourne End and Maidenhead.

BTVLEP has already seen the Government commit £44.2million of funding to its Growth Deal , which sees Whitehall devolve power to groups with a better understanding of regional priorities.

And the extra £8.8million over five years will go towards providing finance to small and medium size companies and extending superfast Broadbrand across the county.

Over the lifetime of its deal, Bucking BTVLEP estimates that up to 5,000 new jobs could be created, 600 new homes built and that it has the potential to generate £40million public and private investment.

Its chairman Alex Pratt, OBE, said: “BTVLEP are grateful for the Government support provided through the Round 2 Growth Deal.

“The new investment will enable many Buckinghamshire based businesses to drive new and world-class innovation for the benefit of UK PLC.”

David Cameron and deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg have both thrown their weight behind the devolution scheme.

Mr Clegg said: “A quiet revolution is underway in Buckinghamshire, the Thames Valley and across the country, as Growth Deals signal the death of the culture where Whitehall calls the shots.

“I’ve seen for myself the difference it makes to give the area more power over skills, over business support, over infrastructure spending.”

A plan to electrify the track from Marlow to Maidenhead is also in the pipeline, with MMPA hopeful it will be funded as part of the Crossrail project, which will terminate at Maidenhead.