Responding to the announcement of new Intercity trains for Scotland Paul Tetlaw, Transform rail policy advisor, said:
We welcome the notification from the Scottish Government starting the process to procure replacement rolling stock for the inter-city fleet. Whilst the current inter-city 125 trains provide a high level of passenger comfort appropriate to the inter-city routes north of the Central Belt it is clear that they have not proved to be reliable in service. This has led to substitutions by short formed trains not appropriate for long distance travel which is not what we would wish to see and not conducive to passenger satisfaction.
It is essential that any replacement trains provide a high level of passenger comfort with appropriate on-board facilities. We note the potential need to refurbish the procured trains – it is crucial that this is carried out to a high standard to ensure an appropriate level of passenger comfort and on-board facilities for these key long distance routes connecting Scotland’s cities.
With the appropriate trains, we foresee substantial growth on these routes. Therefore, it is imperative that any new rolling stock is designed with the flexibility to accommodate longer formations from the outset.
It is however very disappointing to hear that the timetable for full decarbonisation of Scotland’s railway has now slipped by 10 years to 2045. Electrification remains the most efficient and cost effective means of operating the railway, and a rolling programme of works will allow the supply chain to maintain the right expertise and reduce unit costs. That impetus must not be lost.
