Transport Minister Derek Mackay recently unveiled designs for the new Hitachi trains being built for the ScotRail fleet.
The 70 brand new trains are faster, quieter and longer, which means a better service all round for people travelling between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The new trains will be with ScotRail in summer 2017 and operate on our busiest route – the Edinburgh-Glasgow via Falkirk High line. Eight-carriage electric trains will run between both cities providing around 50% more seats in peak time. They'll also run on the Stirling-Alloa-Dunblane line and south Glasgow suburban routes.
Abellio has signed the contract with train builders Hitachi Rail Europe in an industry-first deal that could see the Scottish Government buy up the full fleet of the trains after 25 years for just £1. It sees the Scottish Government guarantee the use of the trains on Scotland's rail network for at least 25 years and also comprises a 10-year maintenance deal.
Mr Mackay said: "Passengers will love using these new trains with many more seats, but the benefits go far beyond that. The use of electric trains on Scotland's busiest route will help reduce our carbon footprint. The improved journey times and connection can only be good for our two biggest cities and the innovative contract has reduced the cost of the finance, as well as guaranteeing a great deal for Scotland in the longer term. This is real evidence of Scotland's railways being fit for the future."