The Scotrail company has unveiled plans for an extensive tendering process with the intent to deliver 69 electric or battery electric units to transport their suburban trains faster and with lower carbon emissions.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

ScotRail cancelled more than 17,000 trains in 2024/2025, raising serious concerns about service reliability across Scotland’s rail network, according to newly released figures.
Photo: ScotRail

ScotRail invests in energy-efficient solutions

The operation of the trains will be conducted by the state-controlled company, which plans to start the operation of the trains when the upcoming decade begins. The actual date the contract will commence is April 2028, with the winner having the responsibility of supplying the trains, maintaining them, as well as providing the spares for the period of 15 years.

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The train operation company, ScotRail, will be able to extend the agreement for a period of 35 years, maximizing operational continuity. The new trains will help replace the existing diesel trains and part of the electric trains in operation in the city of Glasgow. Consequently, the company will be able to renew about two-thirds of its train inventory with lower maintenance expenses.

Simultaneously, the upgrading of the railway infrastructure will also be undertaken in line with the trains’ replacement process. The firm will also initiate another process aimed at identifying the financial partner who will own the trains, hence leasing them to ScotRail on long-term contractual terms with an optional purchase element.

ScotRail supports transition to zero emissions

The contract was approved by the Scottish Government in September with a value of €395 million. The scheme involves the supply of 41 electric trains, with the other 28 trains being battery-electric trains. Fiona Hyslop, the transport minister, explained that the current project is part of the rail electrification plans to improve the transport network in the country.

The focus of these investments is on reducing the emission of CO₂, increasing efficiency, and improving the comfort of passengers. In the end, the regional train network will be noise-free, reliable, and climate-friendly, reaffirming the commitment to the climate pledge made by the nation of Scotland.

According to industry analysts, the ScotRail tender will provide other public service providers with the best practices required to implement their own strategies for pursuing independence in technology, in line with their investment in the environment. The project is also aimed at developing the rail sector’s local industry and provision of skills.

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When will ScotRail’s new trains enter service?

The first units are expected to enter service in the early 2030s, following the contract’s start in April 2028.

What does the ScotRail tender include?

It covers 69 electric and battery-electric multiple units, with an option for 37 additional trains, along with 15 years of maintenance and spare parts support.

How will the ScotRail project help the environment?

The new trains will replace diesel stock, lower carbon emissions, and support Scotland’s broader rail electrification and sustainability strategy.

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