Hitachi Rail at Newton Aycliffe proudly shows off four trains ready for Scotrail, which will run between the Edinburgh and Glasgow line.New trains for Scotland are another step closer as the ScotRail Alliance revealed the interiors of its new fleet.

The new Class 385 electric trains – which are being built by Hitachi Rail Europe – will deliver faster journeys, more seats and better services for Scotland when they are rolled out next year.

One of the first fully fitted trains was recently completed at Hitachi Rail Europe’s Newton Aycliffe plant. Offering bright, modern, contemporary finishes, once in service, customers across the central belt will benefit from:

• Power sockets at each pair of seats
• Free WiFi throughout the train
• More luggage storage
• Cycle spaces in a clearly marked area
• Flexible storage area (prams, golf clubs etc)
• Two wheelchair spaces
• Accessible toilet in every train, including a new ‘assist’ facility to allow companion access to the cubicle while maintaining privacy
• Windows closely aligned with seats
Dedicated first class carriages boast plug sockets at every seat, premium leather seats, LED lighting and more luggage storage.

Class 385s can operate in three, four, six, seven and eight car formations, providing much more flexibility to match demand with capacity. Unlike the existing Class 170 trains, the Class 385 have ‘through’ gangways between all coaches so that every part of the train can be accessed from the inside.

Electric trains mean no diesel engines, resulting in quieter journeys for customers and reduced noise pollution for those living and working near the railway.

When eight-car trains are introduced on the Edinburgh – Glasgow via Falkirk High route, this will improve capacity by up to 44% at peak times.

There will also be more seats during peak periods on the Glasgow / Edinburgh – Stirling / Dunblane / Alloa lines, Edinburgh – North Berwick, and Glasgow Central – Edinburgh via Shotts.

ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Alex Hynes said:

“It’s great to finally see the interiors of our new trains. They look great, and I know customers will agree.

“The finish of these trains will significantly improve the experience of customers travelling with us. Their design has resulted in bright, spacious and accessible carriages – perfect for commuters, business customers and leisure travellers alike.

“We’re building the best railway Scotland has ever had – and providing our customers with modern trains plays a big part in that.”

Mitsuo Iwasaki, Head of Technical at Hitachi Rail Europe, said:

“We expect customers to be really pleased with the interiors of our new trains. We’ve worked closely with ScotRail and various passenger groups to include their ideas into the design and the result is a visible improvement for people travelling.

“In addition to full size tables and more seats, customers will also now be able to stay better connected on their journey with fast WiFi and plug sockets.”

11/08/17 - 17081101 - SCOTRAIL QUEEN STREET STATION - GLASGOW Scotrail pride trainsAs Scotland prepares for the Pride Glasgow 2017 weekend on 19-20 August, five ScotRail trains will be displaying the rainbow flag in support of Scotland’s biggest LGBTI festival.

The trains will be in service on the Edinburgh – Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk route, and other routes across the country.
The trains were unveiled by Managing Director Alex Hynes at Glasgow Queen Street station. The ‘Pride Trains’ are the latest demonstration of the ScotRail Alliance’s support for Pride Glasgow, following the flying of rainbow flags and banners at Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations in the run-up to the 2015 and 2016 events.
Around 40 ScotRail Alliance employees will join the 5,000-strong Pride parade on 19 August as it makes its way through the streets of Glasgow.

Queen Street Station has a large Pride banner hanging to demonstrate the ScotRail Alliance’s support for the movement, and members of the LGBTI community are being encouraged to consider careers on the railway through adverts in the Pride event magazine.

To help some LGBTI youth groups take part in the weekend’s events, the ScotRail Alliance has also offered free rail tickets to allow their members to travel to and from Glasgow.
Alex Hynes, ScotRail Alliance Managing Director, said:

“It’s great to see our trains fitted with the rainbow flag – a very visible symbol of the ScotRail Alliance’s support for the Glasgow Pride 2017 weekend and the wider LGBTI community.
“At the ScotRail Alliance we want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our customers. We’re building the best railway Scotland has ever had, and we need the best people to do this.

“I would encourage anybody attending Pride Glasgow to come and speak with us about the work the ScotRail Alliance is doing to celebrate diversity and promote equality.”

Alastair Smith, Pride Glasgow CEO, said:

“Pride Glasgow is excited about further developing the relationship with the ScotRail Alliance, so that together we can ensure that LGBTI people feel safe on our transport systems.

“We welcome the commitment the ScotRail Alliance has shown to challenging any form of discrimination on its services. We jointly believe that LGBTI people, their friends and families should feel safe as they travel, not just to the festival but all year round.”