Commuters could get some relief from overcrowded trains with the Government promising 400 extra Thameslink carriages across the south east.

The new fleet of trains will provide an extra 14,500 seats on spacious, longer and more comfortable trains including those on routes through Clapham Junction and Surrey.

Transport Minister Andrew Adonis has announced that plans to introduce to introduce the new carriages for passengers travelling through Kent, Surrey and Sussex, are underway.

The new contract will see older trains being replaced and nearly 400 additional carriages being brought into service.

Lord Adonis said: “This tender for some 1,200 new Thameslink carriages including around 400 additional carriages on top of those being replaced forms a vital part of our £5.5billion plan to significantly increase capacity through central London.

“When the trains start to arrive in 2012, passengers will see many peak time trains lengthened by 50 per cent, from eight to 12 carriages.

“By the end of 2015 there will be trains running every two to three minutes into and out of central London.

“The modern design of the new carriage is more spacious than existing ones.

“They are also more energy efficient and environmentally friendly and their lightweight design will reduce wear and tear on the lines, reducing maintenance costs.”

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