Delayed new trains carry first passengers
Scotrail’s long-delayed new electric trains carried their inaugural passengers without a hitch yesterday.
But the acid test will come today when commuters step aboard for the first time on the main Edinburgh-glasgow line.
The Japanese-built Hitachi class 385 electric trains will provide more seats and faster journeys on Scotrail’s flagship line.
They are due to start by operating the 0555 Edinburgh-glasgow service, followed by others between the cities throughout the day.
However, they are being introduced ten months late and only two trains – which will run together as a single seven-carriage set – are ready so far.
The next train of the 70 in the fleet is not expected to be introduced until September. Scotrail hopes to get two a week after then.
Managing director Alex Hynes said each one would have to complete 2,000 fault-free miles before going into service.
The trains have been delayed by production problems at Hitachi’s factory in County Durham and the need to replace their windscreens so drivers could see signals clearly. There were also problems with electrifying the line.
0 Under starter’s orders: The first of the new electric trains prepares for its inaugural service at Glasgow Queen Street