New trains are on the way

Rail passengers in Rutherglen and Cambuslang will benefit from a batch of new electric trains coming to Scotland - but not for another three years.

The first 70 Hitachi trains were delivered at the weekend ahead of their introduction to the Glasgow-Edinburgh via Shotts route in the autumn of 2017.

But some of a further 46 being delivered in early 2019 will be used on the Newton line, serving King’s Park, Croftfoot, Burnside, Kirkhill and Newton.

The first batch arrived with much fanfare at the weekend.

ScotRail and transport minister Humza Yousaf have come under increasing pressure recently over the rail operator’s performance.

The new trains would provide more seats, improved accessibility, at-seat power points and better wi-fi.

Mr Yousaf said: “I am delighted that the new trains will shortly begin testing in Scotland and note the hard work in such a short space of time that has gone into their design and construction.

“The Scottish Government has committed £5billion to upgrade rail travel in Scotland and I will continue to push for better standards and facilities for passengers to be delivered.

“I have no doubt that once they go into service the extra space and seats will transform the experience of users and help to continue to build upon the success of ScotRail services across the country.”