New electric trains on track to start next week

Manufacturer Hitachi is building a total of 70 new class 385 trains for the rail operator.

ScotRail bosses said passengers will be able to travel on the first of the trains on the Glasgow to Edinburgh route from Tuesday.

The remainder of the new trains for that route (Queen Street to Waverley via Falkirk High) will be phased in over the coming months, before the rollout is extended to other central belt routes.

ScotRail said the trains are part of its £475 million investment in rolling stock, following the £858 million electrification of the line between the two cities by Network Rail Scotland.

Karen Boswell, managing director of Hitachi Rail Europe, said: 'When passengers step on board this first train they'll find it light, spacious and modern with loads more seats - up to 130 extra compared to the existing diesel trains.

'And there is more to come. Our UK factory is working tirelessly to deliver the rest of the fleet, which will allow the current 51-minute journey time from Edinburgh and Glasgow to be cut by up to a fifth. Thanks to their high-quality Japanese engineering, these trains have the best 0-60mph acceleration of any in Scotland.'

ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said: 'This is a significant moment as we work to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.'