On 10 February, Scotland Transport Minister, Derek Mackay, unveiled the Hitachi Class 385 interior design of ScotRail’s new fleet at Edinburgh Waverley.
The model showcases a standard and first class saloon, with some of the actual seating and tables that will be used in the trains when they are introduced into passenger service from autumn 2017.
The new 70 trains are the most significant enhancement in a £475 million (€606 million) train improvement programme that will see 90% of Scotland’s fleet either new or refurbished.
The new electric vehicles, currently under construction by Hitachi Rail, will offer thousands of extra seats, faster journeys, improved accessibility, at-seat power points and better wifi.
The deal is worth £370 million (€ 472 million) and gives the Scottish Government the option to buy the full fleet for £1 after 25 years.
Other routes to receive the new trains between 2017 and 2019 include Glasgow/Edinburgh – Stirling / Dunblane / Alloa; Edinburgh – North Berwick; Glasgow Central – Neilston /Newton /Cathcart Circle; Edinburgh – Glasgow Central via Shotts.
“These brand new 100mph electric trains are being custom made for Scotland’s railways. They will enable ScotRail to deliver its franchise contractual commitments to significantly increase capacity on the main Edinburgh-Glasgow route by providing much more seating on peak services from late 2017,” Transport Minister, Derek Mackay, said.
Share on:
