Power sockets on ScotRail trains as part of £36 million refurb
Power sockets have been fitted on board one of ScotRail’s Class 334 trains for the first time today, as part of a major two-year £36 million improvement project.
The three-carriage train is the first of ScotRail’s 40 Class 334 fleet to return to service on electrified Central Belt routes after refurbishment at Polmadie depot in Glasgow.
The entire 334 fleet will be refurbished by the end of 2017 – with free on-board wifi, heating and air conditioning improvements to be added during further refurbishments from next summer. This forms part of Eversholt Rail’s investment of £36.1 million in work to improve the passenger environment and reliability of these trains.
The upgrades benefit customers travelling between Edinburgh and Balloch, Helensburgh or Milngavie, as well as on the line linking Dalmuir with Cumbernauld, Lanark and Larkhall.
ScotRail Alliance managing director Phil Verster said: “Completing the first refurbishment of an electric train during our franchise is an important milestone – and a development that will make a real difference for customers.
“We’ve listened to feedback when planning these changes. That’s why we are fitting more than 90 power sockets to each of these trains, with wifi and heating upgrades to follow soon.
“Today’s roll-out supports our mission to transform Scotland’s railways by delivering better, bigger and greener trains for our customers.”
Derek Mackay, Minister for Transport and Islands, said: “This programme of refurbishments is great news for passengers travelling on busy commuting routes across Scotland. These improvements are the latest upgrade to keep pace with passenger expectations and improve the comfort and convenience of journeys.
“The success of our rail network is clear as more people choose to travel by train, with over 92 million journeys being made this year alone.
“Part of our £5 billion investment in the Scottish rail network to 2019 is significant investment in new and refurbished trains, which will mean being able to continue to provide good value for money, while ensuring passengers travel in comfort and ease.”
The refurbished trains will be rolled out at a rate of about two a month to ensure that the improvement programme does not impact upon timetabled services.