New, more reliable trains and the electrification of Fife and Borders railways has been announced by Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
The announcement will see £342 million invested by the Scottish Government, electrifying the lines and procuring 69 new trains, as part of the next stage in modernising Scotland’s Railway.
Confirming the funding in an answer to a written question in Parliament, Ms Hyslop also visited North Queensferry. This rail journey offered the opportunity to see work already well underway to facilitate electric trains for Fife on the Lothian side of the Forth Bridge.
Further electrification work is also underway on the £116 million Leven route, which was re-opened last year bringing passenger services back to this part of Fife for the first time in over 50 years.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I am delighted to confirm that the next phase in Scotland’s programme to decarbonise the railway network will involve the electrification of sections of the Fife and Borders railways. This will support the deployment of battery-electric trains across these key routes.
“This latest Scottish Government investment, in excess of £342 million, demonstrates our continuing commitment to making Scotland’s railway even greener, with greater capacity and reliability.
“Just as we are investing in our routes, so too are we committed to modernising our fleets, that is why I can also confirm that ScotRail has been authorised to initiate a procurement exercise for new battery-electric trains that will operate on the Borders Railway, Fife, and also for the replacement of some of those electric fleets currently operating in Glasgow.
This £342 million forms part of the Scottish Government’s sustained investment in Scotland’s rail infrastructure and represents the initial phase of electrification of the Fife Circle services.
Katie Vollbracht, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail added: “Electrifying the Fife and Borders lines is a significant step forward in our plans for a better and decarbonised railway for Scotland. We are delivering around 140km of electrification in Fife and the Borders, paving the way for the introduction of battery-electric trains on these routes which will provide more capacity and reliability and cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable journeys.
“From the early planning stages through to construction, our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to deliver this major upgrade that will bring long-term benefits for passengers and communities. We look forward to this next phase as we continue to transform rail travel on these routes for the future.”
ScotRail expects to issue a contract notice for the Suburban Fleets in Autumn 2025.
ScotRail Chief Operating Officer David Ross commented: “This is fantastic news for our customers. Electrifying more of Scotland’s railway is a vital step towards delivering a more modern, sustainable network upon which people and communities can rely.
“This significant Scottish Government investment will allow us to operate greener, more reliable trains, with more seats on board and greater comfort and accessibility.
“Together, these improvements will make rail travel an even more attractive choice for communities right across Scotland.”
Image credit: Transport Scotland
