What are these new trains and when will they be introduced?
A fleet of 38 Class 380 electric trains (130 individual carriages) will be delivered between September 2010 and spring 2011. They will add a further 7,500 seats to the Scottish rail network.
One of Britain’s most reliable train designs and part of the Desiro family, the trains will set a new standard for the next generation to carry customers on suburban and city to city journeys across Scotland’s central belt. Other train operators already use a variation of the design – including South West Trains, London Midland, Heathrow Connect and First TransPennine Express.
At what cost?
More than £430m is being invested by Scottish ministers to improve the infrastructure and bring these new trains into operation in Scotland.
Why do we need more trains?
Government agency Transport Scotland is funding a significant rail enhancement portfolio to deliver the Scottish Government’s aspirations for the rail network in Scotland. In addition, demand for rail travel in Scotland has been steadily increasing – passenger numbers have increased by more than 20% since the start of the franchise in 2004.
To enable the delivery of these new rail services and to meet this growth in passenger numbers, additional rolling stock is required. Longer trains on Ayrshire commuting routes, early electrification of lines in and around Glasgow and the new Airdrie-Bathgate Service will all benefit.
Where will the new trains be used?
Primarily in Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire to provide much needed additional capacity. They will also be used to operate Edinburgh - North Berwick services from March 2011.
Which services will the new trains operate on first?
The introduction will be made between September 2010 and April 2011. The first trains will be on services on the routes from Glasgow Central to Ayr, Ardrossan, Largs, Wemyss Bay and Gourock. These will initially cover only a small number of services on these routes but as more trains are delivered they will be introduced progressively.
Through one procurement exercise, sufficient trains are being secured to deliver capacity improvements in Ayrshire – a key priority for Scottish ministers. This move will, in turn, release trains for a range of other projects, for example existing modern Class 334s for new Airdrie – Bathgate services.
How did you decide which trains would be best suited?
Transport Scotland asked ScotRail to lead the procurement process which began in October 2007. A wide range of options were considered, including different fleet sizes, train car lengths and maintenance approaches. The Siemens Class 380 train provides the best combination of features, performance, flexibility and price over other trains offered.
Why these trains specifically?
Our primary objective is to increase capacity, but to do so cost effectively. Our choice of the Class 380 not only offers longer trains but longer carriages (each is 23m long).
This is a cost effective way of increasing capacity since fewer additional coaches are required for the same increase in train length. Class 380s will provide between 50 and 120 additional seats compared to existing services.
In addition, the design for the new train is based on an existing proven product but which also incorporates features to make it compatible with future industry standards, including crashworthiness and accessibility.
Why a mix of three and four carriage units?
Our order for 16 four-carriage and 22 three-carriage trains will offer the most flexibility to meet peak and off-peak demand. We will be able to provide the most seats where demand is highest.
How many seats are provided in the new trains?
A four-carriage train will have 282 (including 17 tip-up) seats + 2 wheelchair spaces + two cycle spaces)
A three-carriage train will have 208 (including 17 tip up) seats + 2 wheelchair spaces + two cycle spaces).
Will there be sufficient line capacity on the approach to Glasgow Central?
In preparation for the arrival of the Class 380s the layout at Glasgow Central is being enhanced and two new platforms are being created where the short stay parking used to be.
