ScotRail has ordered 69 battery-electric trains, and financing for investment will be provided by the Scottish government. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

ScotRail to procure battery-electric trains for modern travel
Photo: ScotRail

The contract for $432 million will modernize aging fleets, extend electrification, and deliver more sustainable, comfortable, and accessible passenger services by 2031.

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ScotRail investment in sustainable rail future

By Fiona Hyslop, the Transport Secretary, funds will be used to enhance stretches of the Fife and Borders lines to facilitate procurement of new trains. The latter will exchange outdated diesel and electric trains for longer formations, greater capacity, and improved operating efficiency.

The new fleet will be the first for its operator to have level boarding from platforms. Other benefits for passengers include family zones, more cycle storage, two accessible toilets, and improved passenger information systems designed to ease daily commuters.

ScotRail new-generation fleet to revolutionize passenger experience

The Chief Operating Officer, David Ross, pointed out that the procurements enable clean and more reliable services. Therefore, customers can expect more seats, quieter services, and more comfort as Scotland advances its journey toward a low-carbon transportation network.

Network Rail spokesperson Katie Vollbracht said that roughly 140 km of electrification is due in Fife and the Borders. The partial electrification of the Borders route, including at Tweedbank, will enable the deployment of battery-electric sets for clean, more dependable regional services.

Source: www.railwaygazette.com

When will ScotRail’s new trains enter service?

The new fleet will begin to join the network from 2031, following the completion of the electrification programme and procurement drive that will start in Autumn 2025.

What will ScotRail’s battery-electric trains have?

They will offer level boarding, better cycle storage, two accessible toilets, family zones, and better passenger information systems, giving better access, comfort, and convenience for all.

What environmental benefit will ScotRail’s investment provide?

By introducing battery-electric trains and boosting electrification, ScotRail will cut greenhouse emissions, minimising noise levels and refreshing aging diesel sets, echoing Scotland’s aim for cleaner and more sustainable rail transport.

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