ScotRail has begun the procurement process for a new fleet of suburban trains, marking a major step towards modernising its services across Scotland. A contract notice has been published on the Procurement Contracts Scotland (PCS) website, inviting potential suppliers to tender for the project. The new trains are expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
Within the next 15 years, around two-thirds of ScotRail’s fleet will need to be replaced. The new trains will operate on routes including East Kilbride, Fife, the Borders, and Glasgow’s inner suburban lines such as the Argyle Line and South Electrics routes, which include services to Motherwell, Larkhall, Lanark and Shotts.
The investment aims to deliver more modern, comfortable and environmentally friendly trains, encouraging more people to choose rail over car travel. Planned improvements include enhanced comfort, modern air-conditioning, greater reliability, reduced emissions, better accessibility such as level boarding, and provision for active travel.
The Scottish Government has approved the full procurement process, which is being coordinated alongside Network Rail’s electrification of key routes.
David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is exciting news for our passengers who will benefit from these new trains in the years to come. This is an essential step in making rail the easier, more attractive choice compared with travelling by car.
“We look forward to further discussions with potential suppliers as we continue to deliver a safe, reliable, and green railway.”
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said: “Resilient ScotRail services are core to our objectives of a reliable railway that enables access to employment, education, and leisure opportunities.
“This latest milestone in renewing older fleets demonstrates our commitment to making our publicly owned and operated rail services a success. We would encourage the market to engage with ScotRail on this opportunity.”
The procurement notice can be viewed on the Public Contracts Scotland website.
