10.10.18
First of revamped HSTs set to run between Aberdeen and Edinburgh next week
The first Inter7City high-speed train will be entering service between Aberdeen and Edinburgh from the beginning of next week, marking another milestone in Scotland’s wide-ranging railway improvement programme.
The train, which will run from 15 October, will be the first of the upgraded HSTs set to connect Scotland’s seven cities, providing a boost for commuters, tourists and businesspeople alike.
Key features of the upgraded train – which will help deliver ScotRail’s enhanced timetable from 9 December – include more seats, increased luggage space, at-seat power sockets, more toilets, and better on-board hospitality.
Alex Hynes, ScotRail Alliance’s managing director, said: “This is another major milestone in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had. Our Inter7City service will provide more seats, better services, and more comfortable journeys for our customers.
“The investment we are making in these iconic trains is a clear sign of the ScotRail Alliance’s commitment to building a bigger and better railway for the whole of Scotland.”
Michael Matheson, Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, added that he looks forward to seeing more of the HSTs coming online in the months ahead.
“Passengers have looked forward to the arrival of the fully refurbished HST fleet which will bring significant improvements for travellers on our inter-city routes between Scotland’s seven main cities,” continued Matheson.
“ScotRail and Wabtec, its supplier, have given assurances they remain focused on ensuring the full fleet is in service as quickly and efficiently as possible, meaning even more passengers will soon benefit from faster trains which have the latest standard of comfort, accessibility and catering provision.”
The higher seating provision will support the overall 23% capacity boost that will be delivered during the next year.