New analysis by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has revealed that Scotland's railway network will witness the introduction of nearly 1,000 new train carriages over the next two and half years to 2020, which is expected to enhance the connectivity of rail transport in the region.
The research found that the new carriages will begin operating in Scotland as part of a larger initiative to introduce 5,500 units of rolling stock across Britain.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The majority of the new locomotives will be built in County Durham by Hitachi Rail Europe.
RDG chief executive Paul Plummer said: “Working together, rail companies are investing to improve journeys and to ensure Scotland’s railway continues to support the nation’s economy, now and for the long term.
“Scotland’s economy benefits by up to £64m each year simply through businesses sharing knowledge and technology in clusters around rail links, so the impact of investment is clear.”
RDG's study found that a total of 497 new carriages are set to be delivered to rail operator Virgin Trains East Coast, with the introduction of new Azuma trains scheduled to take place between late next year and February 2020.
Abellio Scotrail is also expected to introduce the first of 234 new electric commuter trains in the next year.
The TransPennine Express, which links Liverpool and Manchester with Glasgow and Edinburgh, will also feature 155 new carriages by December 2019.
In addition, a new direct service is expected to be introduced from Glasgow to Liverpool Lime Street from December 2018.
A total of 75 new carriages for Caledonian Sleeper will also be introduced early next year in order to provide cross-border overnight services.
The new trains will offer larger spaces, standard air-conditioning and Wi-Fi to passengers, while some vehicles are set to be equipped with on-board entertainment systems. Improved catering and plug sockets will also be available.
