High-Speed Trains for Scotland move one step closer

Last updated: Monday, 4 December 2017

High-speed trains (HSTs) connecting Scotland’s seven cities are another step closer as the ScotRail Alliance’s welcomed the arrival of its second train this week.

The high-speed train arrived in Edinburgh at the weekend and will be based in Haymarket, where it will be used for driver training between Edinburgh and Dundee ahead of the fleet being rolled out from May next year.

One carriage of the five-carriage train will be detached and used by engineering team at Haymarket for maintenance training.

This is the second train to arrive in Scotland, following the first train’s arrival in Aberdeen in September.

Once fully refurbished and in passenger service, the HSTs will connect Scotland’s seven cities.

Key features of the high-speed trains include:

  • More seats
  • Increased luggage space
  • Power sockets at seats
  • Enhanced on-board catering

ScotRail Alliance High-Speed Train Project Manager Chris Tait said:

“The weekend’s arrival of our second high-speed train in Edinburgh is another exciting milestone in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.

“Our high-speed trains will provide more seats, better services and improved experience for our customers.

“Once fully refurbished, these trains will transform rail travel between Scotland’s seven cities - offering better connections for commuters and business travellers as well as providing fantastic opportunities for tourists to see more of our great country.

“The investment we are making in these high-speed trains is a clear sign of the ScotRail Alliance’s commitment to building a world class railway for the whole of Scotland.”