South West Trains to receive 2,400 extra seats

Date: 10/5/2012

An extra 2,400 seats will be provided on trains during peak times thanks to new government funding.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening revealed 48 rail carriages will be added to South West Trains services travelling into Waterloo between March and December 2014.

Ms Greening explained the British rail network is more popular than ever and over 1.4 billion journeys are made every year.

Therefore, the coalition wants to improve the service commuters receive by easing congestion and boosting London's economy.

"So whether you are in Guildford or Portsmouth, Ascot or Basingstoke, Eastleigh or Exeter, Alton or Aldershot, you'll be getting better services and more seats," she said, adding the move is a "win-win for passengers."

Network Rail recently announced it is upgrading Bristol Temple Meads train station in a bid to reduce congestion and improve services to London, the south-west, Wales and the north.

Ms Greening said the current rail modernisation programme taking place in the UK is the biggest since Victorian times.

Posted by Mary Treen