What are the rolling stock plans for the range of services that will be delivered between now and 2014?
The introduction of this new fleet of trains to Scotland will increase the overall fleet size. ScotRail is currently working with Transport Scotland to develop detailed deployment plans for Airdrie – Bathgate, Borders and other key rail enhancement projects – as well as looking at how to best use the existing fleet to meet passenger demand across the Scottish networkover the remainder of the ScotRail franchise.
Click here to read a news release re the 'cascade' of trains within Scotland (issued 26/11/09).
AIRDRIE TO BATHGATE SERVICES
The Airdrie-Bathgate (A2B) ‘missing link’ is due to open in December 2010 after 50 years of closure. It will create a third rail route across the central belt between the east and west coast of Scotland and will allow trains to run from Helensburgh through Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh.
What trains will be used on this new service?
Most services will be served by Class 334 trains – previously used in Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.
Why are the new Class 380s not being used on A2B?
The additional capacity of the new trains is most needed to meet demand in Ayrshire. The Class 334s will meet anticipated demand on the A2B route.
What sort of timetable/frequency can we expect?
The intention is to have up to four trains per hour linking Helensburgh and Milngavie with Edinburgh. The timetable is still being developed but it is likely that two trains will run limited stop between Airdrie and Edinburgh providing a service which should improve on the 74 minutes target set in the Airdrie – Bathgate Railway Bill. The existing High Street-terminating services are likely to be extended to Airdrie between the morning and evening peak periods.
Will the trains on this route be accessible?
Class 334 trains have wheelchair accommodation and an accessible toilet. Some services may operate without such accommodation, although we will do our best to minimise this.
