The Minister was speaking as he visited the two train stations in Larne which are benefitting from the investment in the New Trains Programme. This Programme has delivered 20 new trains into service on the Northern Ireland railways network and has already been rolled out in Larne stations.
The Minister said: "The 20 new trains, which are part of the £150million investment in the New Trains Programme, are now in passenger service on busy commuter services across Northern Ireland. All of the old trains, which had been operating on the Larne line, have been replaced with new trains and passengers on the line are now enjoying the benefits of much more reliable and comfortable train services."
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To accommodate the introduction to service of the trains, some of the platforms on the railways network are being extended. Work at Larne Town Station is complete and work at Larne Harbour will commence on 6 October 2012 allowing six-car trains to service the Larne line when required.
The Minister continued:"Passenger numbers on the Larne line have been growing steadily and carried a record 2.15 million passengers during 2011/12. I am confident that the introduction of the new trains on this line will provide the opportunity to enhance services and increase passenger numbers further."
(CD)
