It is no excuse for Transport Scotland to state that the current ScotRail fleet was inherited from the private operator Abellio upon re-nationalisation in April 2022 as if it itself was not to blame ('LibDems urge end to 1970s-style railways', The Herald, January 4). [The letter is 4th down from top of page. Note particularly paragraph 3. -RS]
(Permalink) Class 156 Class 170 Class 318 Class 380 HST Reliability

Concerns have been raised after it emerged Scottish rail passengers are still relying on trains and carriages manufactured as far back as the mid-seventies. Freedom of information requests by the Scottish Liberal Democrats found the oldest carriages in use as part of the fleet were manufactured between 1976 and 1984. The trains with the longest continuous use are Class 318s, used on the Glasgow suburban line, which were manufactured in 1986 and entered service the same year.
(Permalink) Class 156 Class 318 HST

North Berwick 150th anniversary first public run of a Class 318, working the 1137 ex-Waverley and 1220 return on Saturday 17 June.
(Permalink) 150th Anniversary Class 318

The Strategic Rail Authority has set out its priorities in Scotland for the next ten years. Edinburgh Waverley is to be re-built with further through platforms at a cost of £400 million. This work will involve connecting the bay platforms 8&9 and 12&13, raising the glass roof and providing another platform to the south of the station. The work is required as the station will reach capacity in the next year. Stirling to Alloa is to be re-opened to passengers within 5 years. It is also hoped that Stirling to Kincardine will also re-open to freight. Hamilton to Larkhall is to be re-opened and a Milngavie to Larkhall service to be introduced within 5 years. This may also include the re-opening of the Anniesland to Maryhill curve. Platforms will be extended on the Fife Circle which will allow longer trains to run, increasing passenger capacity. Platforms will also be extended on the Glasgow to Ayr line. Platforms will be extended on the East Kilbride Branch. Platforms will be extended on the Bathgate Branch. TPWS will be fully implemented by 2003. Increased capacity will be provided between Glasgow and Paisley. This could be re-signalling or re-quadrupling the line. Increased capacity will be provided between Glasgow and Kilmarnock. This will probably be through adding a new dynamic loop on the single track section between Barrhead and Kilmarnock which is currently only broken at Lugton. 140 stations are to be modernised. Construction of new interchange stations or re-building of existing stations will include Gourock, Markinch and Partick. Refurbishment for 318s and reliability improvements to 170s. Extension of Sunday services on the Shotts and East Kilbride Lines. A new national test track to be established. As a result of various schemes 6 new stations will open; Alloa, Newcraighall, Brunstane, Gartcosh, Larkhall and Beauly. Longer term plans include East Coast Main Line upgrading (to complete by 2010) and lines to Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport. There is an element of uncertainty as the ScotRail franchise is due for renewal and the future of Railtrack is not clear at this stage. The West Coast Main Line enhancements to allow 140mph running may not go ahead.

(Permalink) Alloa Anniesland Beauly Brunstane Class 170 Class 318 Edinburgh Airport Edinburgh Waverley Gartcosh Glasgow Airport Gourock Kincardine Larkhall Markinch Maryhill New station Newcraighall Partick Railtrack SRA ScotRail Stirling TPWS

ScotRail


New trains for Glasgow's north bank


New class 334s are due to be introduced to Glasgow's north bank. 180 drivers are to be trained.


North Berwick service improvements


Three class 318s are to be released for service between Edinburgh and North Berwick, this will not over all services and two diesels will be retained.


Edinburgh 'Revenue Protection Scheme'


A six month 'revenue protection scheme' will be introduced at Waverley and 'Greater Edinburgh'. This will involve collection of tickets at barriers and will be carried out independently from the usual train conductors.


Feeder Bus Services


ScotRail is planning to introduce feeder bus services within the next 6 to 9 months which will bring passengers from areas not served by trains to stations. Details have yet to be announced.


Scotland Timetable


The RPC commended ScotRail on it's A5 sized Scotland-wide railway timetable which is available from larger stations or by request. ScotRail commented the timetable includes all passenger services in Scotland they do not receive any financial help from other Train Operating Companies operating in Scotland in producing the timetable.


Franchise renewal


In 3 to 4 years the ScotRail franchise will be due for renewal rather than extension. It is expected that the next franchise will run for 20 years, while franchises in England will run for 7.


(Permalink) Class 318 Class 334 RPC ScotRail

- 318s for the North Berwick service, but not yet

- DMUs borrowed from 'sister' National Express companies to cover for aged 305s on the North Berwick service if necessary

- North Berwick route to be re-railed in September

- New stop to pick up passengers on ScotRail sleepers at Carstairs

- Stirling to Alloa to Kincardine line to be progressed but not clear yet whether freight only, or passenger only between Stirling and Alloa

- Railtrack keen to alter Edinburgh Waverley layout for further capacity

(Permalink) Alloa Class 305 Class 318 Edinburgh Waverley Kincardine Railtrack ScotRail Stirling