ScotRail to replace high speed intercity trains with 'more modern ones'

ScotRail has announced plans to replace its high-speed intercity trains with more modern ones, which will start to enter service from next year.

It said a contract to provide 22 class 222 trains has been awarded to Beacon, and a contract to Alstom for the associated technical support, spares and maintenance services.

Before they are delivered to ScotRail, the trains will undergo an £80m makeover and refurbishment programme, supported by £67m of investment from the Scottish Government.

ScotRail said the current high-speed trains (HSTs), which operate on intercity routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness, are reaching the end of their usable life, which presents operational challenges and makes them more expensive to maintain and operate.

They will be replaced by more modern class 222s, the first of which will enter service by late next year.

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail managing director, said: “This is fantastic news for our customers and our staff as we continue to work towards delivering a safe, green and reliable railway.

“More modern trains are a significant factor in encouraging more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail, and this investment will deliver a considerable improvement in the journey experience.

“Introducing fully-refurbished trains ensures customers will see immediate benefits, with enhancements in comfort, accessibility and reliability.

“We are looking forward to working with our partners and the Scottish Government in the coming weeks and months as we begin the refurbishment programme and get set to welcome this fleet to ScotRail.”

The makeover will include the exterior of the trains being fully repainted and the livery updated.

They will have new Wi-Fi with low-Earth-orbit satellite connectivity and voice-over-Internet-phone capability.

There will be wheelchair facilities in both first class and standard class, storage for six bikes and a family-friendly area with space for passengers who have an unfolded pushchair.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Resilient, reliable ScotRail services are key to encouraging more people to choose to travel by train for work, leisure and learning.

“Millions of journeys are made on our intercity routes between our key cities each year and we want to encourage even more people to do so.

“This contract award takes our ambitions a step further as we move forward with replacing the existing intercity fleet with trains that offer improved facilities and accessibility.

“The replacement fleet will provide a range of modern passenger features and the contract also ensures that Scottish suppliers have opportunities to contribute their expertise and services.

“This latest milestone in our rolling programme of decarbonisation supports long-term reliability across our intercity routes, making Scotland’s railway a more attractive and greener travel choice.”

The trains will be introduced in a phased approach, with the last expected to be in operation before the end of 2028.

The last HST is expected to be removed from service by December 2028.

ScotRail will carry out the maintenance on the fleet once it has entered service, supported by a comprehensive technical support and spares supply agreement with Alstom which is worth around £250m over the next decade.