10.02.16
Life-size model of new ScotRail Class 385s showcased at Waverley
ScotRail has today unveiled a life-size model of the interior of its Class 385 fleet at Edinburgh Waverley.
The train, which will stay open for public visits until 4 March, showcases a standard and first class saloon of the upcoming fleet, with some of the actual seating and tables that will be used in the carriages once they are introduced from autumn 2017.
Today’s glimpse at the model version of the 70-car fleet – organised with the train’s manufacturer, Hitachi, and the Scottish government – comes just a few weeks after Hitachi previewed the first bodyshell of the EMUs, 63 of which will be built at its new plant in Newton Aycliffe. The remaining seven are currently being produced in Japan.
Phil Verster and Dereck Mackay at the inauguration
The first 24 trains will be rolled out on Scotland’s rail network in 2017, with the remainder entering service by early 2019. ScotRail’s purchase also marked Hitachi’s first order for its AT200 commuter train design.
At the inauguration of the model, situated in Waverley’s east concourse, ScotRail Alliance MD Phil Verster told those present at the station that the “faster, longer, greener” fleet will mean more seats, shorter journey times and less environmental impact.
It will also transform travel between the operator’s two biggest cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, he said.
“This is all part of our largest-ever train improvement programme. Over the next few years we will be spending £475m on these new trains, refurbishing most of our existing fleet and introducing great benefits like enhanced wi-fi and at-seat power sockets,” Verster added.
“In just a few weeks our engineers will start work at Queen Street station that will allow us to run these amazing new trains. We are doing everything we can to give people the information they need to keep moving while we complete this work. I know that when people see this model of their new train, they will understand the huge benefits that are heading their way.”
According to Dominic Booth, Abellio UK MD, the company started the procurement process for the fleet in August 2013, nearly 20 months before it took over the ScotRail franchise.
“This train will be truly transformational for customers, and proudly positions Scotland’s transport at the apex of transport initiatives in the UK. I am particularly pleased that Transport Scotland and my procurement team in Abellio have negotiated such a great deal with Hitachi which is underpinned by some of the finest engineering in the world,” Booth added.
“Our innovative finance package allows the Scottish government and Transport Scotland to take ownership of the trains after 25 years and will have long term benefits for Scotland.”
As previously reported by RTM, Scotland’s government will be able to buy the entire fleet for a nominal £1 after 25 years of use. The contract also comes with 10 years of maintenance.
The route between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Falkirk High will be the first to benefit from the new trains, with other journeys following suit within the subsequent two years, including:
- Glasgow/Edinburgh - Stirling / Dunblane / Alloa
- Edinburgh – North Berwick
- Glasgow Central - Neilston /Newton /Cathcart Circle
- Edinburgh – Glasgow Central via Shotts
ScotRail’s new flagship fleet is just one element of the wider £742m EGIP, which will allow for the electric trains to operate on the Edinburgh-Falkirk High-Glasgow Queen Street route and other links across the central belt from late 2017.