RAIL operator First TransPennine Express (FTPE) has placed a multi-million pound order for a new fleet of trains.

The move is set to create about 200 jobs and increase capacity on FTPE’s routes across the north, including services running through Huddersfield.

FTPE will take delivery of 10 new electric trains from German manufacturer Siemens. The first train is due to arrive at the end of 2013.

The new 100mph Class 350/4 trains will each have four carriages and a total of 210 seats, 19 of which will be first class.

The trains are based on the highly successful Class 350s currently in operation on the London Midland network.

The FTPE versions will have extra luggage space, a catering trolley area and bike storage facilities.

Seating in both first and standard class will be similar to the design and layout of FTPE’s current fleet of Class 185 trains.

The new Class 350/4s will be used on services between Manchester and Scotland – increasing capacity by more than 80% on this route.

That will allow FTPE to redeploy its existing trains to increase capacity across FTPE’s other routes, including the busy Manchester to Leeds route via Huddersfield, where capacity is planned to increase by more than a third.

The investment was warmly welcomed by Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney, inset, who is vice-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Rail in the North.

He said: “This announcement is excellent news for commuters and rail users in Colne Valley.”

The Conservative said the investment would boost capacity and reduce crowding on one of the busiest lines in the country.

FTPE managing director Nick Donovan said: “This is really good news for customers across our network.

“We know that many of our services are busy and the procurement of an additional 40 carriages will help to provide a much needed increase in seating capacity in response to growing customer demand.

“I am also really pleased that this project will create about 200 new jobs across the North of England, including drivers, conductors and train maintenance staff.”

FTPE will retain its 51 class 185 and nine class 170 trains, which will be deployed to offer more seats across the North.

The purchase of the new trains will generate about 200 extra jobs for drivers, conductors and train maintenance staff.

Most of these will come with the opening of new train crew depots in Liverpool and Preston.

The procurement process for FTPE’s new trains has been led by train operator London Midland as part of a larger order for new trains and maintenance valued at more than £140m.

FTPE will lease the trains from rolling stock leasing company Angel Trains.