ScotRail has commenced the procurement process for financing options for a brand-new suburban train fleet.
The fleet is set to be comprised of a minimum of 69 trains, with an option of additional orders of up to 37 units.
A Class 385 ScotRail train
© Hitachi Rail
Once the new trains enter service sometime in the early 2030s, ScotRail will enter into a rolling stock lease.
A separate procurement process was launched in November of last year to secure a potential supplier to both design and build the new trains, which are set to begin operation on routes such as East Kilbride, Fife, Borders, and the Glasgow inner suburban routes, including services between Glasgow and Motherwell, Larkhall, Lanark, and Shotts.
Each train will be equipped with a number of modern passenger amenities, including air-conditioning, increased accessibility with level access boarding and a number of active travel provisions, including improved spaces for bicycles, wheelchairs, and inclusion of family friendly areas.
The procurement has received full, formal approval from the Scottish Government, with the process now being carried out in close coordination with Network Rail’s current efforts to electrify key routes across the network.
David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said:
This is another exciting step on the journey to a new fleet of trains that will benefit customers in the years to come.
This stage of the procurement process marks an important milestone as we look to secure funding for the building of the new trains.
New trains will be a major step towards making ScotRail more reliable, comfortable, greener, and a more attractive choice compared to travelling by car.