ScotRail Class 222 refurbishment is moving forward. The operator has signed a long-term Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA) with Alstom. It covers ScotRail’s future Class 222 diesel multiple units, known as Meridians. The agreement covers the operation, maintenance, support and refresh of the trains. They are due to take over from the operator’s HST sets. Those sets date from the 1970s.

ScotRail Class 222 refurbishment to replace HST fleet
Photo: ScotRail visulaistion CGI

According to Alstom, the ten-year agreement is valued at about £250 million (€293 m). It runs through to March 2036. It also has an option to continue until March 2042. The deal applies to 22 five-car Class 222 units. Also, it includes technical support plus spare parts supply. In addition, there is an ongoing refurbishment and modernisation programme. It is intended to improve reliability, passenger comfort and onboard technology. Meanwhile, that work is aimed at Scottish regional rail services. These services connect Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and other major Scottish population centres.

ScotRail Class 222 refurbishment and fleet replacement

As ScotRail has confirmed, British Rail Class 222 units will form the incoming fleet. Built in the early 2000s, they became widely known as Meridian trains. The name has remained attached to them. Their arrival is part of a broader move. That move is aimed at replacing ScotRail’s ageing InterCity 125 high-speed train sets. ScotRail brands those trains as Inter7City.

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The HST was a groundbreaking design in its day. One member of the class still holds the verified world record. It is for the fastest diesel train in the world. Still, after millions of miles in service, the trains are now suffering from declining reliability. They are also creating a substantial maintenance burden for operators.

The Meridian units are not new-build trains. Still, they are expected to be a step-change for domestic operations in Scotland. A total of 22 units are set to be leased. Each will undergo substantial refurbishment before entering service. Meanwhile, the first trains are expected to be used for driver training in early 2027. Passenger operations are set to start later that year. The phased introduction is likely to continue into 2028. At that point, the HST fleet is expected to be fully withdrawn.

At the same time, the change is tied to concerns over reliability and maintenance costs on the current fleet. It also reflects the availability of Class 222 trains released by East Midlands Railway. Those units are being displaced as East Midlands Railway brings in new bi-mode rolling stock.

Meridian trains refurbishment for Scottish regional rail services

Alstom’s refurbishment work will be extensive. It is intended to bring the trains up to standard for Scotland’s prestige routes. The programme covers interior and exterior improvements. For example, it includes new seating, tables, carpets, LED lighting and upgraded driver cabs. It also covers toilet refurbishment and reconfiguration to improve luggage, bicycle and accessibility provision. Separately, this refurbishment contract is with Beacon. It is worth around £80 million.

A ScotRail visualisation of a Meridian in the mountains may depict Slochd Summit. It is the highest point on the UK mainline rail network.

The work also includes a broad set of onboard systems upgrades. For example, it includes intelligent stop/start technology. New passenger information systems and saloon media screens are to be installed. In addition, the trains are to receive hearing aid announcement systems. They are also to receive automatic passenger counting, CCTV, Wi-Fi connectivity and strengthened cybersecurity measures. Every train will also receive a defibrillator as part of the safety upgrade package.

Alstom support agreement, depots and rollout timeline

The units are not yet in service. Still, the programme is already beginning. “The Class 222 fleet has a strong service history,” said Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom. “Through this comprehensive programme of technical support, refurbishment and heavy maintenance, we will help to ensure these trains continue to deliver a safe, comfortable and dependable experience for passengers for many years to come. This investment also underlines our commitment to sustaining skilled jobs, developing engineering capability and supporting the UK rail supply chain as the industry continues its transition to a more sustainable railway.”

The deal is part of a wider package of contracts. It is with rolling stock owner Beacon. It covers early heavy maintenance, refurbishment work and storage. Meanwhile, once the trains enter service, the Class 222 fleet will be maintained in Scotland. It will be maintained mainly at depots in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.

Saltire blue Meridians are still a couple of years away. Still, ScotRail management has welcomed the development. “More modern trains are a significant factor in encouraging more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail,” said Joanne Maguire, Managing Director at ScotRail. “Introducing fully refurbished trains ensures customers will see immediate benefits, with enhancements in comfort, accessibility and reliability.”

The Glasgow station fire led to a stream of bad news for Scottish rail. Still, the announcement has come as a welcome relief. “We are delighted to have awarded this contract to Alstom to refurbish our Class 222 fleet to support ScotRail delivering high-quality, high-speed services for their customers,” said Adam Cunliffe, Chief Executive Officer at Beacon, the leasing agent for the trains. “Working in partnership with ScotRail and Alstom on the upgradeprogramme for these trains will enhance the on-board experience for passengers across Scotland. We look forward to seeing the refurbished trains enter service.”

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