ScotRail has issued a shortlist of bidders to build a new fleet of trains for suburban routes.

The procurement of the new trains has now progressed to the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage, after a pre-qualification stage in which potential suppliers were assessed.

The new fleet of trains will comprise at least 69 electric and battery-electric trains, with the possibility of an additional 37.

Bidders shortlisted to submit tenders were:

• Alstom Engineering and Services Limited.
• Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A. (CAF S.A.).
• Hitachi Rail Limited.
• Siemens Mobility Limited.
• Stadler Rail Schweiz AG.

Delivery of the new trains will be in the early 2030s on routes including East Kilbride, Fife, Borders, and the Glasgow inner suburban routes, and on services between Glasgow and Motherwell, Larkhall, Lanark, and Shotts.

The successful bidder will be responsible for the design, manufacture, testing, certification, commissioning, and delivery of the trains, their long-term maintenance, and supply of spares.

Features to be included in the new trains include modern air-conditioning, improved reliability of on-board connectivity and real-time information, improved accessibility, more space for bicycles, wheelchairs, and the provision of family-friendly areas.

The Scottish Government has granted approval for the new trains and for procurement to proceed; their introduction will be coordinated with further electrification by Network Rail of key routes.

Passengers are using Scotland’s trains in increasing numbers, as seen in July, when ScotRail recorded nearly 8.5 million passenger journeys, almost 900,000 more than in July last year.

“This is an exciting step forward in our plans for a new suburban train fleet for Scotland that will benefit customers for many years to come. These new modern electric and battery-electric trains will make journeys more comfortable for customers, improve accessibility and reliability, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable railway. Investment in modern trains is vital to providing a better journey experience and is central to encouraging more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail.”

Joanne Maguire, Managing Director, ScotRail