ScotRail carries out overnight tests on new Class 385 fleet
Posted: 3 February 2017 | | No comments yet
ScotRail has begun overnight tests on its new Hitachi-built Class 385 fleet known as T2.
Credit: ScotRail
ScotRail has begun overnight tests on its new Hitachi-built Class 385 fleet known as T2.
Scotrail is carrying out overnight checks on a four-carriage Class 385 test train as to avoid disruption to its 2,800 services in Scotland. Tests are taking place on T2 ahead of the arrival of a new fleet of 70 trains due to be phased into passenger service from September this year. ScotRail believes the introduction will provide more seats, faster journeys and greener services across Scotland’s central belt.
Credit: ScotRail
The second phase of testing –allowing the new vehicles to be tested alongside existing trains – will begin in spring 2017.
“It’s fantastic to have the first of our new trains actually running on Scotland’s railway”
Commenting on the commencement of testing, Ian McConnell, programmes and transformation director for the ScotRail Alliance, said: “It’s fantastic to have the first of our new trains actually running on Scotland’s railway as this means we are one step closer to making them available to our customers.
“But before we do that, we have to make sure each train is fully tested on the network. That means ensuring that it interacts properly with railway infrastructure such as signals and overhead lines, and that’s what the team is focussing on right now.
“T2 is not yet fitted with seats and tables so we’re using sandbags to represent the weight of these, as well as passengers. That means we are carrying out our tests in realistic conditions.
“Up next will be the second phase of testing, when the new fleet will be allowed to operate on the network alongside other trains. That is likely to begin in spring on two routes from Edinburgh, to North Berwick and to Glasgow via Falkirk High – so great opportunities for train spotting!”
“This will play a major part in delivering more than 23 percent extra seats on ScotRail services by 2019”
Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: “This is another significant step towards delivering more reliable trains and much more capacity across the Scottish network. I have already seen the train up close and I know passengers will be looking forward to travelling on the new fleet as they are gradually introduced into service from September across the central belt. This will play a major part in delivering more than 23 percent extra seats on ScotRail services by 2019, but we are of course working hard with the industry to do more before then to address capacity issues.”
Hitachi Rail Project Manager Andy Radford added: “It’s great to see the first of our brand new style of trains out for testing on the Scottish rail network. Hitachi’s trains have a reputation for their quality design and reliable running so passengers will soon be feeling the benefits of trains that use leading Japanese technology and are built in the UK. ”