Sunday 10th December saw ScotRail introduce their new Class 380 electric trains. The new trains come after Network Rails electrification works on the line.
This comes as ScotRail prepares to start running its brand new Hitachi Class 385 trains next year.
Class 380s provide more seats and some journeys will also be quicker between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
They are also better for the environment, producing 85% fewer CO2 emissions than the outgoing Diesel Trains.
A new timetable was also introduced on Sunday. Please click here to check the new timetable before travelling
What did the officials say?
ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said “As we prepare for the arrival of our brand new Hitachi trains next year – which will deliver faster journeys, more seats, and better services – we will start running electric trains from our existing fleet between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Falkirk High.
He added “The running of these electric trains from our existing fleet is an important milestone ahead of the arrival of the brand-new Hitachi trains. It's another key stage in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had. Being able to run some services with seven carriages will mean more seats for our customers, and we will also deliver some faster journey times.”
Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said “The introduction of electric services is a key milestone in the Edinburgh – Glasgow Improvement Programme and yet another sign that our £5bn investment to 2019 is helping build the best railway Scotland has ever had. It also paves the way for the arrival of our new fleet of class 385s, to be phased in over the coming months, offering passengers faster, greener and longer trains. I'd like to offer my personal thanks to all the many people who have worked on this significant electrification project as their efforts come to fruition.”
- Visit the ScotRail Website
For more information
I guarantee that the Class 385’s will start passenger service including operating between Edinburgh and Glasgow via High Falkirk from early/mid January or throughout January next year. Which isn’t really long left as we are in December. Can’t wait for the Class 385’s to start passenger service across Central Scotland that will connect both Glasgow and Edinburgh and to introduce faster and greener journey times as both cities are about 40-45 minutes by train when the Class 385’s will enter service.