ANOTHER order for new trains by Transpennine Express will help to tackle overcrowding on routes from York to cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool.

The company said the 13 sets of five-car InterCity carriages, coupled with an order earlier this year for 19 new five-carriage trains from a different manufacturer, would more than double its capacity by 2019.

A spokeswoman said the vast majority of services would operate with at least five carriages as opposed to the current three, and the trains could be doubled in size to ten carriages at peak times and when major events are taking place.

"Investment in new fleets will mean every train operated by TPE by will have; free Wi-Fi and media servers allowing customers to stream TV shows, films and entertainment, advanced on-board customer information, modern interior with spacious seating, air conditioning and power sockets at every seat," she said.

"The new trains will allow services to operate at speeds of up to 125mph, cutting the journey times between key towns and cities across our regions."

Managing director Leo Goodwin said the order was great news for our customers, bringing 'much needed and much wanted' extra carriages across the network.

“Whether travelling to work, for business or leisure, our services are going to offer more seats, improved connectivity and a higher standard of comfort. The on-board experience will be second to none and we will provide customers with a real alternative to the car and congested road network.”

The spokeswoman said TPE's new franchise began on April 1 with a commitment to invest more than £500 million in the rail network and yesterday’s announcement followed an earlier agreement to buy 19 new five-carriage bi-mode - capable of operating by diesel and electric power - trains from northern based manufacturer, Hitachi Rail Europe.

"The new train fleets will provide an extra 13m seats a year, which is enough to fill the Old Trafford stadium more than 150 times, "she added.