ScotRail has taken the next step towards ordering new trains for suburban lines in the central belt by issuing a contract notice on the Procurement Contracts Scotland website.

Potential suppliers are being invited to tender, and the new rolling stock should enter service in the early 2030s, replacing many of the two thirds of ScotRail’s trains which will need to be retired by 2040.

It was announced in early September that the Scottish Government had plans for a £342 million investment in electrification and 69 electric trains for Glasgow, Fife and the Borders Railway.

The procurement announced today will provide 69 trains, with an option for about 37 more.

The trains are intended for East Kilbride, Fife, the Borders and the Glasgow inner suburban routes.These routes include Glasgow and Motherwell, Larkhall and Lanark, and South Electrics (including the Shotts line).

ScotRail said the process was being coordinated ‘closely’ with Network Rail’s work to continue electrification.

ScotRail’s chief operating officer David Ross 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.’

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop added: ‘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.’ 

What do you think? Click here to let us know.