RAIL services from Skipton are set for an overhaul, with a £120 million investment in new trains.

Regional Railways North East is to introduce 16 high-speed, air-conditioned trains on the Airedale and Wharfedale commuter routes by the end of the year 2000.

The news has come as a breath of fresh air to travellers, who have become used to the outmoded 35-year-old carriages currently in use.

With a top speed of 100mph, the Class 333 trains will have quicker acceleration, cutting down journey times, and power-operated doors.

Tim Calow, chairman of the Aire Valley Rail Users Group, said he was delighted by the announcement.

But he questioned the advantage to commuters of a new service carrying only marginally more passengers.

He said: "Overcrowding is the issue. With just 16 trains I would say it would be impossible to boost frequency.

"What we would really like to see is a substantial increase in the number of seats so that people will move out of their cars and onto the trains to relieve the road congestion in the area."

Dr Henry Shirman, managing director of MTL Holdings, RRNE's owners, said: "This order is our biggest investment in the business.

"The deal comes just 12 months after MTL took over RRNE and is a first birthday present to our customers.

"We pledged we would focus on passenger priorities - punctuality, cleanliness and better service. These new trains will help us meet those priorities."

German manufacturer Siemens will build the three car trains using constructors in Spain.

Another high-tech feature on the trains will be electronic destination indicators at the front and the sides so that they can easily be seen from platforms.

Brian Sutcliffe, chairman of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle line, is another satisfied customer.

He said: "I am pleased with the announcement, if only because the improved trains further down the line will make for more enjoyable journeys for passengers before they reach the Settle-Carlisle section.

"Although it won't affect our line, I have to say I am happy with the news. I hope it brings more people into the area."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.