New 'class 380' trains

What are these new trains and when will they be introduced?

Delivery of the fleet of 38 Class 380 electric trains (130 individual carriages) is underway and is due to be completed under a rolling programme by summer 2011.

One of Britain’s most reliable train designs and part of the Desiro family, the trains 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 about 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.

Where are the new trains being used?

Primarily in Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire to provide much needed additional capacity.  They have also been introduced on Edinburgh - North Berwick/Dunbar services.

Which services will the 380s run on?

Services featuring Class 380s are or will be on routes from Glasgow Central to Ayr, Ardrossan, Largs, Wemyss Bay and Gourock. They are being introduced progressively as more trains are delivered.

Through one procurement exercise, sufficient trains are being secured to deliver capacity improvements in Ayrshire – a key priority for Scottish ministers.  This move has, in turn, released Class 334s for the Glasgow - Edinburgh via Airdrie and Bathgate service that launched in December 2010.

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.  Within Ayrshire and Inverclude, Class 380s will provide between 50 and 120 additional seats at peak times compared to existing services.  

The design of the new train is based on an existing proven product which incorporates features to make it compatible with future industry standards, including crashworthiness and accessibility.

Why a mix of three and four carriage units?

The 16 four-carriage and 22 three-carriage trains offer the most flexibility to meet peak and off-peak demand.  We are providing most seats where demand is highest.

How many seats are provided?

A four-carriage train has 282 (including 17 tip-up) seats + 2 wheelchair spaces + two cycle spaces)

A three-carriage train has 208 (including 17 tip up) seats + 2 wheelchair spaces + two cycle spaces).

What features do these trains have?

• Air conditioning
• CCTV for passenger security
• Power sockets for laptops at bay seating areas
• Luggage racks
• Two spaces in each three- and four-carriage train for wheelchair customers in an inclusive layout
• Space for two cycles in each three and four-carriage trains. One cycle can also be carried in each vestibule.
• Accessible toilets in each train, with an additional toilet in trains with four carriages
• 'Through' gangways are provided, when two trains are operated together.

What are the trains like inside?

There are two seats either side of a central passenger aisle.  This '2+2' layout provides better comfort and more space for seated and standing passengers. In a 3 + 2 combination, the middle seat is often left empty.

Approximately two-thirds of the seating is in four-seat bays (facing each other, with a small table between them).  The remainder are airline-style. The half-width tables make it easier for passengers to get in and out of window seats.

Why end gangways?

The cab-end gangway allows passengers and customer service staff to access the full length of the train.

Do the doors have sensors?

Yes. They will detect if someone or something has not yet cleared the doorway and re-open if necessary.

What’s the colour scheme?

The colour scheme is based on the brand created by Transport Scotland for Scotland’s railway.

Where does the air con feed in?

Warm air is fed in at floor level; cool air from the ceiling.

How many bins are there within each carriage?

Two – one per vestibule.

How will the Class 380s cater for cyclists?

A designated space for two cycles is provided within each four or three carriage train.  These should be used first.  In addition, and at the discretion of on-train staff, one cycles can also be stored in each vestibule, as per the current arrangements for electric trains in Strathclyde. However, bikes cannot be taken through gangways.

On North Berwick-Edinburgh services, four carriage trains have eight vestibules in addition to two designated cycle spaces.   We’ve tried to strike the right balance.  To provide the same level of secured cycle provision as currently exists with the Class 322s would reduce the number of seats available for passengers by more than 100 across the entire fleet.  We do not believe this is fair, or best use of public sector funding.

When storing cycles in vestibules, customers are asked to observe the following guidelines:

• Place cycles on the right hand side of the train (facing direction of travel) as there are generally fewer platforms on this side
• Stay with or near to your bike at all times
• Check regularly to ensure it is not causing an obstruction, especially on the approach to stations

Are the designated cycle spaces shared with any other users?

The modular cycle stowage design is deliberately separate from the wheelchair accommodation.  Drop down seats are fitted so that, if the cycle storage is not being used, more passengers can be seated.

What do cyclists do if the tip-up seats are already taken when they board?

We have clear labelling above the tip-up seats indicating that this is a priority area for cycles. Our overall aim is for a flexible area that can be used for other purposes when not required by cyclists, eg, tip-up seats with a clear floor areas where a child’s buggy could stand.  We’ve avoided using wheel guides to keep the floor area clear and free of tipping hazards.  Overhead racks have also been avoided for similar safety reasons.

Where is the cycle storage located on a Class 380?

It is always at the inner end of a driving coach.

What if the train is really busy?

Train staff may not be able to accept additional cycles if the train becomes busy and the vestibules are full. However, customers with cycles already on board will be allowed to remain.

Business class/wifi/catering?

No.

How many toilets?

Three-carriage trains have one wheelchair-accessible toilet. Four-carriage trains have an additional standard toilet as well. This meets current legislation.

Can you tell me more about the train toilets in terms of reliability?

ScotRail has specified to Siemens the need for the highest quality of components to ensure maximum reliability.  Lessons have been learned for previous toilet designs.  The water tanks will have a higher capacity than the trains they are replacing, enabling them to operate for longer without the need for topping up.

What about prams and buggies?

On-board staff take a common sense approach to accommodating prams and buggies on our trains. They are trained to ensure that the safety of all passengers is maintained and that aisles and doorways are kept clear.

The areas designated for wheelchairs  may be used by prams and buggies when they are not needed by wheelchair users. However, if a wheelchair user subsequently boards the train, the pram has to be moved to allow the customer priority access.  The vestibules on the Class 380 trains are also suitable for storing children's prams and buggies.

These are provided.

Will the Class 380s be fully accessible?

Yes.

Where are the wheelchair spaces?

An inclusive layout is provided.  One space is beside the vestibule area for ease of access from the train doors. The second space is within the main saloon but again within easy access of the doors.  Both provide full standard seats for companion travellers across from the wheelchair space. 

Does the companion passenger get priority to sit in the companion seats?

Yes.  We have labelled the seats as priority seats for those travelling with customers with accessibility needs.

Can wheelchairs be secured?

There is a steel frame behind each wheelchair space against which the wheelchair may back up to.

How does the passenger communication unit work?

All vestibules have a passenger communication unit with a talkback system to speak to the driver.  Additionally the two wheelchair positions and the toilets each have palm-operated call-for-aid units with talkback.  In the wheelchair accessible toilet, there is a second call-for-aid unit near to the floor, as required by the regulations.

In common with all ScotRail rolling stock, the Class 380s carry ramps.

What signage is in place to ensure the wheelchair spaces are not mis-used by other passengers (luggage, prams etc?)

‘Pictogram’ signage is at each location discourages other users from occupying the seats.  These visual displays can be easily understood by non-English readers.

Do the new trains have environment benefits?

The trains capture information regarding energy use and have regenerative braking systems that can return energy to the supply system.  Our drivers are being taught eco-driving techniques that saves energy. 

The Class 380 also incorporates a number of weight-saving features that will make it more efficient to operate.  It is low noise, and there is a ‘sleep’ low power mode to save energy during overnight stabling.

There is also intelligent use of fresh air – the air-con switches off if sensors detect no passenger movement.

What are the rolling stock plans for the range of services that will be delivered by 2014?

The introduction of this new fleet of trains to Scotland will increase the overall fleet size.  ScotRail is working with Transport Scotland to develop detailed deployment plans for the Borders railway 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 network over the remainder of the ScotRail franchise.

Glasgow - Edinburgh via Airdrie and Bathgate

The Glasgow -Edinburgh via Airdrie and Bathgate (A2B) line opened December 2010 after an absence of 50 years.  It has created a third rail route across the central belt between the east and west coast of Scotland and allows trains to run from Helensburgh and Milngavie through Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh.

Why are the new Class 380s not being used on this new route?

The additional capacity of the new trains is most needed to meet demand in Ayrshire.  The Class 334s meet demand on the new Airdrie-Bathgate route.

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.

Where will the trains be maintained?

The trains will be maintained in Glasgow at ScotRail’s Shields Depot, with technical support from Siemens. The depot buildings and facilities have been upgraded to increase capacity, and the workforce required to maintain the new fleet expanded.

What has been created at Shields depot?

A new maintenance facility has been constructed to enable ScotRail to maintain the new Class 380 electric trains.

In addition to improved maintenance facilities, a replacement wheel lathe building and associated equipment was completed in November 2009. This lathe - used to cut and maintain wheels to ensure they are perfectly circular – services the entire ScotRail fleet.

How much did this cost?

Transport Scotland has invested £24m in improvements at the depot. The enhanced facilities also provide for future use of the facility to cater for planned projects that will impact on Shields Depot in future years such as fleet renewals and network infrastructure projects.

Are any jobs being created as a result of the depot expansion?

The depot expansion created 40 construction jobs for the duration of the building project.  In addition, some 30 new permanent engineering and support roles were created, and a further 120 train crew jobs.

Who was  involved in the depot project?

Engineering company Siemens was the main contractor and managed the project on behalf of train operator ScotRail and Transport Scotland. Clough Smith Rail was contracted to build the depot, with Turner & Townsend project managing.