Hitachi Rail has been awarded a significant seven-year contract extension by ScotRail to continue maintaining its fleet of 100% electric Class 385 commuter trains. The deal reinforces Hitachi’s role in ensuring the continued high performance and reliability of what is currently recognised as one of the best-performing train fleets in the UK.
The extended contract encompasses both heavy and light maintenance of the Class 385 fleet and includes an enhanced service quality regime aimed at maximising the operational availability of the electric trains. This will translate to a more reliable service for passengers, with more trains available for service, offering quieter, greener, and more comfortable journeys on modern rolling stock.
The agreement also guarantees ongoing investment in infrastructure, personnel, and digital solutions. Notably, there is potential for the integration of Hitachi’s advanced digital asset monitoring platform, HMAX, into the fleet, which could further enhance predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.
Hitachi and ScotRail have fostered a strong collaborative relationship, which has been instrumental in delivering high-quality maintenance services. This partnership has resulted in ScotRail’s ‘Express’ fleet consistently achieving reliability figures significantly above the UK industry average. Currently, the ScotRail Express fleet boasts a reliability rate 4.5 times higher than the UK average for fleets with over 50 units, highlighting its exceptional performance and contribution to meeting growing customer demand.
During the 2024/25 period alone, over 7.5 million passenger journeys were made on Class 385 trains operating between Edinburgh and Glasgow, marking a 5% increase compared to the previous year (2023/24). Since their introduction in 2019, passenger journeys on this key route have increased by 2%, demonstrating the popularity and effectiveness of the modern electric fleet.
Hitachi has made substantial investments in Scotland’s Railway in recent years, including a £30 million upgrade to the Craigentinny depot in Edinburgh, the UK’s oldest railway depot. This upgrade involved upskilling the local workforce to maintain the technologically advanced, digitally integrated Class 385 trains.
Being fully electric, the Class 385 fleet is already playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions on Scotland’s Railway. ScotRail estimates that these trains have cut carbon emissions on the main line between Glasgow and Edinburgh by an impressive 82% annually, equating to a reduction of 25,208,20 kgCO2e compared to the diesel trains they replaced.
Magnus Conn, ScotRail Engineering Director, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our successful partnership with Hitachi through this extended maintenance contract for our Class 385 fleet.
“It builds on the solid foundations of collaboration between ScotRail and Hitachi, ensuring our fleet remains safe, efficient, and ready to meet the future needs of Scotland’s Railway.
“Hitachi has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our operational needs and a strong commitment to innovation and reliability. Their advanced technology and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring our trains remain reliable and efficient, allowing us to provide the high standard of service our customers expect and deserve.”
Angus Thom, Senior Director Operations, Service & Maintenance, UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail: “This new contract strongly endorses Hitachi Rail’s maintenance capabilities. Our fleet is among the UK’s most reliable, thanks to our close and positive collaboration with ScotRail as part of ‘Team Scotland’. Together, we have delivered one of the best fleets in Britain.
“Everyone at Hitachi Rail looks forward to continuing this relationship into the next decade. We are committed to continuous improvement and excited by the potential to digitally future-proofing this fleet.”
The contract extension ensures Hitachi’s continued participation in ‘Team Scotland’ – a collaborative effort involving ScotRail, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, and Hitachi Rail. The Class 385 commuter fleet was built at Hitachi Rail’s UK factory in County Durham as part of a £1.3 billion investment in new trains and infrastructure funded by the Scottish Government and Network Rail. This extension signifies a continued commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable rail travel for passengers across Scotland.
