A major investment programme in Scotland's rail network has been unveiled.

It is described as the largest ever in new trains and extra drivers.

The move is aimed at dramatically improving reliability and tackling overcrowding.

Transport Minister Iain Gray announced a �5.4m deal which will enable ScotRail to carry out the tendering process for 22 new trains.

The funding will also secure extra drivers, help achieve tighter performance targets and be used to improve ticket facilities.

The executive wants a 5% increase in passengers

Mr Gray said: "Passengers tell us overcrowding and reliability are their top concerns about the rail network.

"We have listened to those concerns and our investment in this package of improvements will make a real difference to the quality, comfort and reliability of their journeys."

The minister said the deal with National Express, the parent company of ScotRail, would make significant improvements to routes across the country and secure important investment ahead of the new passenger rail franchise due to start in April 2004.

Mr Gray said the new trains would benefit routes across the country would benefit - particularly in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.

And he predicted it would lead to an increase in seating capacity on overcrowded services such as in Fife and West Lothian.

Peak hour capacity and a greater reliability on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route are also part of the plan, with all peak hour trains to be six cars in length.

'Reduced cancellations'

Mr Gray added: "Training and recruitment of extra drivers will also mean cancellations can be reduced and improved performance targets will mean a greater incentive to achieve better punctuality."

ScotRail managing director Peter Cotton said: "The Scottish Executive and the Strategic Rail Authority are both to be applauded in steering this groundbreaking agreement through so speedily.

"We are delighted to be able to go ahead and procure these new trains, particularly at a time nearing the end of the franchise term when not a lot is usually expected to happen."

Earlier this year the executive set targets to increase the number of rail passengers by 5% by 2006 and to cut overcrowding so passengers would not have to stand for more than 10 minutes of a journey.