The Government has taken a substantial step forward in providing 106 new carriages for the West Coast Main Line.

Agreement has been reached with Alstom so that they can begin the production process of the new high speed tilting trains and carriages which will deliver over 7,420 additional seats on this busy rail route.

This is in addition to the 45% increase in long distance services on the line due in December 2008.

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The agreement with Alstom provides for 106 carriages which will create four new 11-car trains and will also lengthen 31 of the existing trains from nine to 11-cars.

These will be in full service by December 2012.

There is also an option to procure a further 42 carriages by early 2013 to meet rising passenger demand.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said: "Our priority for the railways is increasing capacity and this will provide much needed extra seats on the busiest services from London to Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.

"In addition, the £8.8bn upgrade of the West Coast Mainline will cut journey times and deliver more frequent services."

(GK/JM)