Train Cascade Plan Announced

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 9000 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 environmentally 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. “