MORE carriages are to be introduced on train services through Huddersfield – in a bid to end overcrowding.

And the move, due to be implemented next Monday, has been welcomed by an MP.

Colne Valley’s Jason McCartney had first-hand experience of the problems on the busy transPennine line.

He said: “I had been to Glasgow and travelled back via Manchester.

On the last part of the journey, I had to stand all the way and that was at 8pm on a Friday evening, which is hardly rush-hour.

“I get many complaints and concerns abut the line and in particular the overcrowding.

“This is a step in the right direction but more needs to be done.

“Northern Rail are talking about a big increase in the number of passengers using the line and we need to cater for them.”

The extra carriages will be brought into use by Northern Rail.

A spokesman said: “The Department for Transport recently announced that as part of its rolling stock programme, Northern will receive 60 additional carriages to help ease overcrowding on our busiest services.

“Ten of these carriages are already in service on our network and the remaining 50 will come into use on Monday, December 12.

“On the Leeds to Manchester Victoria route through Huddersfield, we are increasing the number of seats on a total of 10 peak time services (six in the morning and four in the afternoon/early evening).

“This will result in a total of 1,100 extra seats on this route every week day.

“Since we took over the franchise in December 2004, passenger numbers have increased by 38% and as a result of this success, overcrowding is one of the biggest challenges we have faced.

“We recognise that these additional carriages will not completely eradicate overcrowding on our services. However, they will deliver significantly improved journeys for many of our customers.”