The Stormont Minister responsible for the NI transport infrastructure has been 'getting rail' today with a visit to Translink's Fortwilliam Train Care Facility in north Belfast to preview one of the new trains purchased to improve and modernise local rail services.

The first of 20 new trains was delivered in March 2011 and a further two trains have since arrived in Belfast.

Ulster Unionist Executive Minister Danny Kennedy heard how, to complement the introduction to service of the new trains, a New Trains Maintenance facility is being built at Adelaide while some of the platforms at stations and halts on the network are being extended to accommodate the new trains.

That means a total investment in the New Trains Programme is topping £150m.

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Danny Kennedy said: "Having viewed one of the new trains today I am highly impressed by the design, comfort and accessibility features.

"The purchase of 20 new [Spanish-built] trains represents a significant commitment of £114m by my Department and the Executive, which aims to improve and modernise rail services for passengers across Northern Ireland.

"Three of the new trains have now been delivered to Belfast and, all being well, the first new train will be in operation by the Autumn, with all 20 new trains introduced to passenger service during 2012. By this time all of the older trains will cease to operate on the network."

Minister Kennedy added: "Significant investment, over recent years, on the railways network highlights my Department's commitment to providing a high quality rail service which promotes a sustainable and attractive alternative to the private car.

"The continuing growth in passengers travelling by train demonstrates the value of that investment. In the last financial year, a record 10.4 million passengers travelled on trains here. This is the highest level recorded since 1967 and represents over 60% customer growth since 2002."

An intensive period of testing and commissioning is now underway for each of the trains to ensure the highest levels of safety, performance and comfort before they enter into public service.

(GK/BMCC)