ScotRail has officially launched the procurement process to secure financing options for its brand‑new suburban train fleet—marking a major milestone in Scotland’s rail modernisation programme.
This financing stage will support the construction and delivery of at least 69 new trains, with the option to expand the order by up to 37 additional units. Once built, ScotRail will enter into a rolling stock lease as the fleet enters service in the early 2030s.
A separate procurement process, initiated in November 2025, is already underway to identify the manufacturer responsible for designing and building the new trains.
Modern Fleet for Key Scottish Routes
The new electric fleet is planned for routes including:
- East Kilbride
- Fife
- Borders
- Glasgow’s inner suburban network, including services to Motherwell, Larkhall, Lanark, and Shotts
These trains aim to deliver a significantly improved passenger experience, offering:
- Modern air‑conditioning
- Higher reliability
- Level‑access boarding for improved accessibility
- Enhanced active‑travel facilities, including more space for bicycles and wheelchairs
- Family‑friendly seating and layout options
These upgrades are expected to encourage modal shift from cars to rail, supporting Scotland’s net‑zero transport objectives.
Fully Backed by the Scottish Government
The Scottish Government has approved the full procurement phase, which is being closely aligned with Network Rail’s electrification projects across several key corridors.
ScotRail Leadership: “A Major Step Forward”
David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said:
“This is another exciting step on the journey to a new fleet of trains that will benefit customers in the years to come.
“This stage of the procurement process marks an important milestone as we look to secure funding for the building of the new trains.
“New trains will be a major step towards making ScotRail more reliable, comfortable, greener, and a more attractive choice compared to travelling by car.”
Image credits: Network Rail
