Thursday 26 November 2009
ScotRail trains are on the move.
More than 60 ScotRail trains will start switching routes from September 2010 following the arrival of new electric trains in Ayrshire and Inverclyde.
The Transport Scotland investment in 38 new electric Class 380 trains will add more than 9,000* seats to the Scottish rail network.
From Ayr in the west to North Berwick in the East, customers will see benefits from the planned ‘cascade’ of different types of trains.
Ayrshire and Inverclyde passengers will be the first to gain, with the Class 380 trains arriving from September 2010.
In December that year, trains will once again run on the Airdrie to Bathgate rail line, with new stations created, others upgraded and existing single rail track double tracked and electrified.
The link will offer new services between Edinburgh and Glasgow, including direct services from Helensburgh/Milngavie to Edinburgh served by Class 334 trains.
And from March 2011 Edinburgh – North Berwick services will also be served by new Class 380 trains.
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: “We are delighted to see the progress being made by Siemens towards the delivery of the Class 380 rolling stock.
“Rail patronage is increasing and this vital investment in a new fleet of environ-mentally friendly trains will deliver not only benefits for passengers through improved facilities, more trains and more seats on the network, but also help us meet our ambitious Climate Change targets by encouraging people to leave the car at home in favour of more sustainable forms of transport.”
Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, said: “The arrival of the Class 380s will trigger a cascade of different classes of trains across the network. Our priority under the cascade is to deliver extra capacity where it is needed most and, of course, to release trains to serve on the new Airdrie-Bathgate line. “
Media Enquiries
ScotRail Communications Team:
Clare Meikle 0141 335 5152
Iain Wilson 0141 335 4565
Note to Editors
ScotRail - Train Cascade Plan
| Date | What’s Changing | Notes |
| Sep-Dec 2010 | 22 x Class 380 trains are introduced in Ayrshire & Inverclyde. | Gradual introduction into service |
| Dec 2010 | The Class 334s will operate on the new through route from Helensburgh/Milngavie –Edinburgh. Class 318s will operate Dalmuir – Lanark/Larkhall/ Motherwell to release a further 2 x Class 334s also for the Helensburgh/ Milngavie – Edinburgh route. |
Via the new Airdrie -Bathgate corridor. Options still under consideration on deploying 5 x Class 158s (ex-Edin-Bathgate) |
| Dec 2010 | 8 x Class 320s from the existing North Clyde services are released to operate Dalmuir – Lanark/Larkhall/ Motherwell, releasing a further 8 x Class 334s to operate Helensburgh/Milngavie –Edinburgh services. | eg more six-car trains during peak periods |
| Dec 2010– Mar 2011 |
6 x new Class 380s are introduced into service – Ayrshire/Inverclyde | |
| Dec 2010 - Mar 2011 | This releases 4 x Class 318s to provide longer trains on Dalmuir – Lanark/Larkhall/Motherwell line. | eg more six car trains during peak periods. |
| Mar 2011 | 4 x Class 380s begin operating North Berwick – Edinburgh services, replacing the existing 4 x Class 322s. | The Class 322s’ lease expires in March 2011. |
| Beyond Mar 2011 | 3 x Class 380s are being reviewed for possible additional capacity / service options. |
* The net seat gain will be around 7,500 following the departure of Class 322s from the Scottish network in March 2011.
