Scotland’s Railway is committing £7.7 million to upgrade the braking systems on more than 70 ScotRail trains, aiming to significantly improve both safety and performance across the network during the challenging autumn season.
Leaves on the tracks are often described as the railway’s equivalent of black ice on the road. When compressed by trains, they create a thin, slippery layer that reduces adhesion, making it harder for trains to accelerate and brake safely. This issue frequently leads to extended journey times and, occasionally, service disruption for passengers.
To combat this, a new system to improve grip, known as Variable Rate Sanding (VRS), is being installed across the ScotRail fleet:
- Double Variable Rate Sanding (DVRS) is being fitted to the Class 170 fleet (34 trains).
- Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) is being fitted to the Class 158 fleet (40 trains).
Each system automatically adjusts the amount of sand applied between the wheels and the rail according to the train’s speed. This precise application improves grip and effectively reduces stopping distances in slippery conditions.
Successful Trials and Full Rollout
The DVRS technology was successfully trialled on a Class 170 near Inverness in July, followed by a direct comparison trial in Edinburgh earlier this month. The trial compared the performance of a DVRS-fitted Class 170 with one that was not fitted.
The trial showed measurable improvements in braking performance under low-adhesion conditions. This success is expected to help trains run more smoothly and on time through the autumn and winter months, ultimately giving customers greater confidence in the reliability of their journeys.
Kristian Peacock, interim head of performance at Network Rail Scotland said:
“This trial is a great example of what we can achieve by working together across the rail industry to solve joint problems.
“During autumn, there are unique challenges for performance and we always like to try new things to reduce the impact on train services. The data so far from our DVRS system is really encouraging. It’s a simple solution that should make a real difference.
“We are excited to see what the future of managing seasonal issues like leaf fall will look like, and I’m confident that DVRS tech will play a part in that.”
Installation work is now well underway, with 12 Class 170s and one Class 158 ready for operation this autumn. ScotRail will be closely monitoring the effectiveness of the new technology.
The full rollout of DVRS on all 34 Class 170s and SVRS on all 40 Class 158 trains is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:
“Slippery rails are one of the biggest challenges we face every autumn, and we know how frustrating it can be when leaf fall causes delays or cancellations.
“By investing in this new technology, we’re helping our trains perform better in tough conditions which will improve safety, reduce the risk of disruption, and deliver more reliable journeys for our customers.
“It’s another example of innovation making a real difference for customers, and how working together across Scotland’s Railway continues to deliver improvements.”
The investment is being supported by the Scotland’s Railway Joint Innovation Fund, which is dedicated to promoting safer, more reliable, and more efficient services through cross-industry collaboration. The decision follows extensive research led by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), which included successful tests on several types of train across Britain’s rail network.
