ScotRail has announced plans to replace its high speed trains (HSTs) following a procurement process.
A contract has been awarded to London-based Beacon Rail, a pan-European operator, for the lease of 22 Class 222 trains, and to France’s Alstom for the associated technical support, spares, and maintenance services.
The trains will undergo an extensive £80 million overhaul and refurbishment prior to delivery to ScotRail, supported by £67 million of investment from the Scottish Government.
Alstom announced it has signed a long-term Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA) with ScotRail Trains Limited, covering the operation, maintenance support and refresh of its Class 222 fleet.
The 10-year agreement, valued at £250 million, runs to March 2036 with an option to extend up to March 2042, and will see Alstom provide technical support and spares supply for 22 five-car Class 222 trains, alongside a significant programme of refurbishment and modernisation works designed to improve reliability, passenger comfort and onboard technology.
Alstom’s refurbishment contract is with Beacon and is worth around £80 million.
As part of the wider refurbishment programme, Alstom will deliver an extensive interior and exterior refresh, including new seating, tables, carpets, LED lighting and upgraded driver cabs, as well as toilet refurbishments and reconfiguration work to improve luggage, bicycle and accessibility provision.
ScotRail said: “The HSTs, which operate on intercity routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness, will be replaced by more modern Class 222s, with the first of the new trains to arrive in service by late 2027.
“As the oldest trains in the train operator’s fleet, the HSTs are reaching the end of their usable life, which present operational challenges and make them considerably more expensive to operate and maintain.
“The refurbishment programme will ensure the Class 222s enter service to the highest possible standard – with staff also being fully trained to safely operate them.
“With passenger services entering service before the end of 2027, there will be a phased approach to the trains being introduced, with the final train expected to be in operation before the end of 2028.
“Despite the HSTs being popular with customers since their introduction to ScotRail in 2018, the arrival of the Class 222s will be a boost for staff and customers, with the last HST expected to be removed from service by December 2028.”