Extra trains to improve service

Extra carriages will provide a contingency during disruption

A rail company is on the verge of signing a deal to hire extra carriages and locomotives to improve reliability.

National Express East Anglia is expected to lease carriages and two Class 47 locos to run from Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

Expanding the fleet will provide a back-up on the network in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

The firm would not confirm the deal, but Rail magazine said it was aware contracts were being drafted.

It is understood that if the anticipated two-year deal is signed, the trains could be brought into service by May.

'Desperate for seats'

Phil Haigh, Rail's business editor, said: "There's a crying need for extra trains all over the country.

"First Great Western, Northern and National Express East Anglia need more trains, as does just about every part to the country."

Mr Haigh said despite the fact the carriages are older, being hauled by Class 47 diesel locomotives may be more comfortable for passengers, because diesel trains on local routes have engines under the floor that cause vibration.

He added: "These will be trains that were got rid of a while ago, although they have been hired for summer Saturdays to cope with peak loads.

"It does provide extra seats, but its a very expensive option and that shows how desperate some of the rail companies are to provide more seats."