ScotRail Class 385s: new windscreens pass the test
TESTS on Hitachi Class 385s with newly designed windscreens have been successful, RAIL understands.
This means that subject to formal approval (which sources suggest will take a few weeks), work can begin on modifying the trains at Springburn Works.
Three-car 385004 was fitted with two designs, and completed tests between Glasgow Central and Paisley Gilmour Street.
The two designs fitted were a variation of the curved windscreen, and a flatter windscreen installed in a flat aperture. RAIL understands that the latter is favoured.
Ten ‘385s’ that are in Scotland for testing will all visit Springburn, where the new screens will be fitted.
At a Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee meeting on May 16, Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I do not find it acceptable that a company with a global footprint the size of Hitachi’s has had some of the most basic problems.”
Yousaf added that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had intervened in the situation, saying she had become involved “to get the message across that we expect it to deliver on its promises”.
The ‘385s’ were due into traffic from December last year, but have yet to carry passengers owing to faults first with software, and then with the windscreens.
Regarding the ‘385s’ entering traffic, Yousaf said: “It is still anticipated that they will be introduced later in the summer. I say ‘anticipated’ because it depends on the windscreen issue being resolved.”
He told the committee: “Drivers will be able to test it to find out whether they are reassured.
“If they are reassured by the solution - regardless of whether it is the slightly less curved windscreen or the flatter windscreen, the manufacturer and ScotRail are ready to press the button and get the new windscreens installed as soon as possible - and all the other processes fall into line, we expect the ‘385s’ to enter into service by late summer.”
Regarding financial penalties, such as how ScotRail is funding the use of ‘365s’ in the interim until sufficient ‘385s’ are ready, Yousaf said: “That is an issue that ScotRail and Hitachi have to sort out.”
Yousaf said his immediate concern was to ensure enough rolling stock was in place, and that Scottish Government pushed hard for SR to find several solutions.
He said when ‘365s’ enter traffic on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line, the number of trains operated by electric trains will rise from the current 30% to more than 90%.
A Hitachi spokesman said: “We are working closely with ScotRail to get new trains onto Scottish railways as quickly as possible, meaning passengers can benefit from trains that are faster, greener and more spacious.
“The trains are a brand new design and we’re confident that they will improve people’s journeys considerably.”
A ScotRail spokesman told RAIL: “Our focus remains on supporting Hitachi Rail Europe, to safely introduce these brand new electric trains in to passenger service, as soon as possible.
“We are also working flat out to get the ‘365s’ into service as soon as possible, which will mean more seats for our customers.”