A £60 MILLION new fleet of trains will mean a 30 per cent increase in capacity on First TransPennine Express’s trains from York to cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool next year.

The company said 40 new carriages would be available from the spring, with customers benefitting from longer trains and more travel options when the full timetable is implemented in May.

It also revealed that all its Advance fares would be frozen at 2013 prices, while season tickets and ‘walk up’ fares will rise by an average of 3 per cent, marginally below the 3.1 per cent cap as prescribed through July’s retail prize index figure.

“FTPE’s overall average price increase across all available tickets is 2.4 per cent,” said a spokesman.

“Rail infrastructure and improvements across the north of England are funded by fares. These improvements, including the electrification and modernisation of much of the network represent the biggest ever single investment in infrastructure.”

Managing director Nick Donovan said: “We recognise that any fare increase is not ideal for passengers but it is important to continually invest in the railway. Importantly for customers, many of the fares that FTPE control will be frozen and held at 2013 prices.

“We would always encourage customers to plan their journey and book in advance to receive the best possible deal. Our Advance fares available on our new website, offer the opportunity for customers to make savings of more than 50 per cent.”