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Calls by Labour to renationalise some train services have been deemed "unnecessary".

Professor of transport at the University of South Wales, Stuart Cole, said experienced staff are needed.

Speaking to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Wales, he said that while the "franchise system has not been performing" a public sector approach was not the answer.

Previously, Transport Minister Edwina Hart said not-for-profit firms could run Welsh train services.

Recently, Labour's shadow transport secretary, Michael Dugher, said more public control of the railways will result in a better service.

Prof Cole said: "Private companies run the railways under contract in the way Marriott hotels and McDonald's are run under contract - which have very strict guidelines.

"But what's been happening is that these guidelines have not been very strict [for the railways]."

He said the answer was a franchise system managed by "professional railway people rather than civil servants".