First high speed train comes to Scotland

ScotRail Alliance has this morning welcomed the delivery of the first of the high-speed trains which will be rolled out from next year. The first train will be used in Aberdeen and will be used for driver training in the coming months.

The fleet will be leased from Angel Trains which has committed to invest in excess of £50m in the fleet in the coming years.

These trains will be used between Scotland’s seven cities for passenger services, and feature more seats, more room for luggage, power sockets at seats and better on-board catering.

ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Alex Hynes said:  “The arrival of the first high-speed train in Aberdeen is an exciting milestone in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had. Our refurbished high-speed trains will connect Scotland’s seven cities, offering better connections for commuters, business travellers and an opportunity for tourists to get out and about across this great country.

“The refurbished high-speed trains will mean more seats, better services and an improved experience for our customers.

“The investment we are making in high-speed trains is a clear sign of the ScotRail Alliance’s commitment to building a world class railway for the whole of Scotland.”

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said: “It is great to see this train arrive in Scotland for driver training, an important step towards delivery. Next year sees the start of a transformed inter-city service – connecting Scotland’s seven cities with high-speed trains.

“The refurbishment programme has already started. And when the 26 fully upgraded trains roll out across the country, I know they will be popular with passengers: more seats, better journeys, the latest standard of comfort, better accessibility, and enhanced catering.”