To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the answer of 25 November 2008, Official Report, column 1189W, on railways: overcrowding, when the refurbishment programme will be completed; and whether the 13 per cent. increase in seating capacity will also apply during rush hour periods. (249186)

The refurbishment programme is contracted to be completed by 31 December 2010.

Seating capacity of all East Midlands Trains ‘Class 158’ trains will be increased by 13 per cent. as part of the interior refurbishment. Therefore, this increased capacity will be available on all services operated by these trains.