Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen InterCity train links set for new high-speed fleet
Train drivers are celebrating following the Scottish Government’s decision to instruct ScotRail to procure replacement trains for the ageing High-Speed Trains (HST) fleet, currently operating on InterCity routes between Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
This decision comes after sustained pressure from the Train Drivers’ Union ASLEF’s long-running campaign to improve safety and environmental standards on Scotland’s railways.
The replacement of the HST fleet was one of the key demands outlined in ASLEF’s Vision for Scotland’s Railways report, which highlighted the inadequacies of the HSTs in terms of driver and passenger safety, as well as their environmental impact.
Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Resilient, reliable ScotRail services are key to encouraging more people to choose to travel by train rather than car, to cutting our transport emissions and to helping to move people around Scotland for work, leisure and learning. That is why we must build on our investment in Scotland’s railway infrastructure by investing in the services and trains which connect our key cities.
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“Over four million passenger journeys were made on InterCity trains in the last year. We want to maintain and where possible, increase that number choosing to go by train between Scotland’s cities.
“We want to replace the current InterCity fleet with trains which provide more comfort and accessibility for passengers on these routes.
“This planned investment will ensure the reliability of our InterCity routes for the long-term, will reduce emissions from InterCity services and will support our efforts to decarbonise Scotland’s railways.”
Further details on this announcement will be shared when the contract notice is published in the coming weeks.
ASLEF is now calling on ScotRail and the Scottish Government to ensure that train drivers are fully involved in the procurement process to guarantee that the best possible replacements are found.
Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF Scotland organiser, said: “This announcement is a testament to the dedication and persistence of our members, who have consistently advocated for the safety and modernisation of Scotland’s rail services. The HSTs are simply not fit for purpose in the 21st century - whether we’re talking about driver and passenger safety or their environmental footprint. We are pleased that the Scottish Government has recognised the urgency of this issue and is taking action to replace these outdated trains.”
“We urge ScotRail to engage with our members throughout this process. Their input is crucial in making sure that the new fleet not only meets the needs of passengers but also ensures the highest standards of operational safety and efficiency.”
A contract notice for the new trains will be published in the coming weeks, with a detailed delivery timeline to follow once the contract is awarded.
