Great Northern route 'to benefit from 41 extra carriages'

Date: 22/3/2010

A total of 41 extra carriages are to be added to the Great Northern route between Moorgate and Kings Cross in London and stations to the north of the capital such as Welwyn Garden City and Hereford North.

The move is expected to increase the number of seats on peak time services by around 6,500, the Department for Transport notes.

The improvements will cost around £27 million in government funding.

Transport minister Chris Mole noted that the changes are part of a government commitment to increase the number of carriages on the rail network by 1,300.

"These extra 41 carriages will enable passengers on these routes to travel in even greater comfort and ensure that the unprecedented growth in rail passenger numbers continues," he added.

As part of the changes, three additional evening services will run from London Moorgate to either Gordon Hill or Hertford North.

For extra morning services will run to the London station from either Gordon Hill or Welwyn Garden City.

Last week, the Department for Transport also announced Bristol is to benefit from a £48 million transport upgrade.