Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 3 September 2024
To ask Scottish Government what plans it has to replace the trains that currently operate on ScotRail Intercity services.
The Scottish Government is planning to require ScotRail to procure replacement trains for the current fleet, known as the High Speed Trains (HST) fleet which operate on its InterCity routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness.
The aim for the replacement trains will be to provide a more consistent, comfortable experience for passengers on the InterCity routes.
This will ensure the reliability of Intercity routes for the long-term, will reduce emissions from Intercity services and will provide a path towards a decarbonised Intercity network.
The decision follows a process of appraisal to look at different options to replace the trains. These options take into consideration the potential transition from diesel power to electric trains, the availability of funding and affordability challenges.
A contract notice will be published in the coming weeks, with a more detailed delivery timeline available at the point of contract award.