REGIONAL train operator One yesterday welcomed a new Department for Transport strategy document setting out plans to increase rolling stock capacity on services to and from Liverpool Street.

REGIONAL train operator One yesterday welcomed a new Department for Transport strategy document setting out plans to increase rolling stock capacity on services to and from Liverpool Street.

The DfT's draft rolling stock plan for the five-year period to 2014 forecasts high peak demand at One's London terminus to grow from 36,700 passengers an hour to 41,600, with demand across the peak three-hour period expected to rise from 74,300 to 84,900.

Although the numbers are only indicative at this stage, the document proposes a net increase of 188 carriages in One's rolling stock fleet.

The franchise, owned by the National Express Group and about to be rebranded National Express East Anglia, is expected to order new electric multiple units (EMUs) for use on the West Anglia route to Stansted Airport, releasing Class 317 vehicles to provide more coaches on other services.

In addition, One is expected to take over the lease of existing Class 321 EMUs due to be replaced by new stock at the London Midland franchise, some of which may also be used to increase capacity on the c2c franchise in south Essex, also operated by National Express.

Andrew Chivers, managing director for One, said yesterday: “We welcome the proposals outlined by the Department for Transport.

“We look forward to working with them to formalize the plans that will enable us to secure additional carriages and offer a better service to our passengers.”

The DfT document also envisages the phased introduction of about 600 vehicles by 2017 to operate the proposed new Crossrail services, which involve new tunnels to link points east and west of London.

These trains will consist of the “next generation” rolling stock, currently under development but intended to be both safer and more energy efficient, and procurement of these will be led by Transport for London and Cross London Rail Links.

Most current passenger rolling stock is financed via leases but the role of the leasing companies is currently being reviewed by the Competition Commission and the DfT says the structure adopted for Crossrail may be different.