Boost for NW rail users

COMMUTER services in and out of Manchester and Liverpool will have space for an extra 2,250 passengers after the Government revealed plans to add new carriages.

Transport Minister Theresa Villiers said Northern Rail will take delivery of 22 carriages that will be in service by December.

She said: “I am delighted we have been able to finalise these important deals which will make a real difference to passengers. Even at a time when we are tackling the huge deficit we inherited, we are determined to invest in Britain’s future. That is why we’re committed to a major investment programme in our railways to deliver a big increase in capacity to ease crowding and provide commuters with more comfortable journeys.

“In the longer term our plans for a high speed rail network will free up a huge amount of space on our current network for more commuter trains – with some towns potentially seeing a near doubling of services.

“As well as improving life for passengers, these rail improvements will play an important role in strengthening economic growth.”

In all the Government announced 32 new carriages would be made available nationwide making space for an additional 8,800 passengers.